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THE LIFE 



OF 



GEORGE WASHINGTON, 



WRITTEN FOR 



THE USE OF SCHOOLS, 



1«^ 

r* 



JOHN MARSHALL, 



LATE CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT 
OF THE UNITED STATES. 



NINTH EDITION. 



PHIL ADELPHI A : 

JAMES ORISSY, No. 4, MINOR STREET. 
THOMAS, COWPERTHWAIT & CO. 



1839. 






Entered, according to the act of Congress, in the year 1838, by . {, 

LEA & BLAXCHARD, AND P. H. NICKLIN, 

in the clerk's office of the district court of the United States in and 
for the eastern district of Pennsylvania. 



3y Trwafeic 



STEREOTYPED BY J. FAGAN PHILADELPIITA. 

PRINTED BY J. CRISSY. 
_ 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

they owe them. Where in the annals of Greece or Rome will they find more 
true and steadfast patriotism, more courage and fortitude, more devoted and en- 
during service, amidst perplexities, defeat, disasters and wants of every kmd ? 
How full of sublime interest is the final success, which gave liberty, not only to 
our own country, but imparted an irresistible impulse to her principles and lessons, 
which is improving the condition of mankind everj' where! Should an American 
boy be able promptly to answer who was Julius Caesar, and to narrate the leading 
incidents of his lilc, and be at fault when the same question is asked of George 
Washington ? Shall he talk fluently of Marathon and Phihppi, and know nothing 
of Saratoga and Yorktown? Shall he have a competent knowledge of the old 
governments and civil institutions, and be shamefully ignorant of his own? 

The little volume you have published affords an excellent beginning of these 
studies, and I think 'you cannot fail in your design of introducing it into our 
schools. 

When I was a boy, we were taught lo connect the name of Washington with 
every thing tiia! was great and good^in the human character, and time has proved, 
and will long continue to prove, that it was a lesson of truth. 

Most respectfully yours, 

JOS. HOPKINSON. 



Letter from Chief Justice Taney. 

Baltimore, M.\rch 29, 1839. 

Sm— When I received the copy of Marshall's Life of Washington, which you 
were good enough to send me, I was too ill to write to you, and am not yet 
sufficiently recovered to resume my business pursuits. But I take the earliest 
moment in my power to return you my thanks for the volume, and to express the 
pleasure I feel in seeing the work so handsomely executed, and to find that it has 
already reached the fourth edition. 

No American ought to be considered as properly educated, who is not famihar 
with the Life of Wa'^hington— and no one was "so worthv of being the \\riter 
of that life, as Chief Justice Marsliall. The book is, I presume, used in every 
respectable school, and is well calculated to create the best impressions on the 
minds of its youthful readers. It is most happily adapted by its distinguished 
author to the iise of schools. 

With much respect, I am, your obedient servant, 

R B. TANEY. 



Letter from Horace Bimiey, E^q. 

Dear Sir — I have read with great satisfaction, " The Life of Washington 
written for the use of SchtKils," by "the late Chief Justice Marsliall. 

It is quite remarkable that the Chief Justice, who enjoyed with the keenest 
relish, the most abstruse investigations of legal and political science, should have 
given a portion of his busiest days to the preparation of an abridgment, iu which 
he was not required to exercise, to any considerable extent, the powers of his 
remarkable understanding. Tlie fact m"ust be explained, I think, by his cordial 
attachment to tiie men and principles of the Revolution, by his conscientious 
approval of the moosures of General Washington's administration, I'Oth as a 
system of public policy, and as nn exposition of the Constitution,— and by his 
paternal solicitude for tiie youth of our country, u]>nn whom he desired to impress 
his own feelines and convictions on oil these subjects. The work was designed 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

by him to attain this end, rather than to add to hia reputation ; and we may 
therefore see ita motivea in hia affections, which every one knows to have been 
of the purest kind. 

As a condensed Life of Washington, which is also a history of the Revolution- 
ary War, of the Constitution, and of the past years of the Federal Government, 
it could not, in my judgment, have been better done. It contains in substance 
the whole of the original work, — the structure, much of the language, and most 
of the sentiments and reflections. Such parts only appear to have been retrenched, 
as were unnecessary for young persons in the course of education ; but I have not 
found that it omits any fact material to the story, or to the exhibition of its immor- 
tal subject in all his relations to his country. I may add, that the auihor has not 
expressed a sentiment in it, that as a father, I should not wish to be remembered 
and adopted by my children. I hope it will be universally diffused through our 
schools. 

I remain, very re^ctfully, your obedient servant, 

nOR. BINNEY. 
Mr- Jaaies Crissy. 



Extract of a Letter from the Rev. E. Ckeever, of Newark^ {N. J.) 

I have examined the Life of Washington by Chief Justice Marshall, and do net 
hesitate to give it the preference, in nearly every particular, to any volume on this 
subject which 1 have seen. It will answer the double purpose, in our higher 
schools, of a reading book, and a text book, on American history. I hope and 1 am 
almost sure that ita appearance will be hailed as a good omen, and that it will 
have a rapid and extensive sale. 

E. CHEEVER. 

Newark, Dec. 3. 1838. 



As means have been adopted for supplying the work 
extensively, orders for any number will be received and 
promptly attended to, by 

JAMES CRISSY, 

No. 4, Minor St, Philadelphia. 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



MxiRSHALL'S LIFE OF WASHINGTON, 

PREPARED FOR SCHOOLS. 



The unprecedented demand for this excellent work calling for a seventh edition 
within six months, ia a convincing proof of the interest which the community 
take in the life and character of their country's father, and the entire adaptation 
of Marshall's Biography to the purposes for which it was intended. 

The publisher deems it proper to state, that this work, though only a duodecimo, 
ia not a mere abridgment by an inferior hand, but was written entirely by the 
late venerable Chief Justice iMarshall, for the purpose of a School Book, that the 
youth of our country might have an early knowledge of Washington, and the 
great events of our national history \\iih which his name and character are 
connected. To complete the adaptation of the volume to the uses of a school as 
a class book, questions have been prepared lor each page, which relate to the 
important facts set forth in the text, and will serve to aid both teacher and pupil. 
The work has been adopted as a class book in the public schools of Philadelphia, 
and has also been introduced into many private schools. 

It is deemed proper here to append a few of the letters which have been 
received from distinguished citizens, expressive of their sense of the importance 
of the work to the young, and especially of the propriety of its introduction inio 
schools. 

Letter from Judge Hopkinson. 

PiiiL.iDELPHiA, Feb. 2*2, 1830. 

Sir — I have read the "Life of Washington," written for the use of Schools, 
by the late Chief Justice Marshall. The character of the author, as well as the 
subject of the book, entitles it to the confidence and patronage of the American 
public. We think it a necessary part of the education of our youth, to make 
them acquainted with the celebrated men of anticjuitv, and the great events which 
affected the destinies of nations. The "Lives of Plutarch " are read by every 
body, and the young are directed to look there ti)r examples of the virtues they 
should strive to imitate. Ought we, then, to sntTfr them to no^lect our own 
history, and to be ignorant of our own great men, and the noble deeds by which 
they achieved the independence of our couuiry? — Let our children know the 
struggles, dangers and "bufferings by which the prosperity and happiness they enjoy 
were obtainecT, that they may estimate their value and the deep debt of gratitude 

(1) 



ADVERTISEMENT 
OF THE PUBLISHER 



The valuable School Book, now presented to the public, 
was written by the late John Marshall, Chief Justice of 
the Supreme Court of the United States, not long before his 
lamented death. It is adapted to the instruction of the 
rising generation, and contains, in a condensed form, the 
substance of the author's larger work. Its appearance has 
been hitherto delayed by circumstances connected with the 
publication of the revised edition of that great work. 

The character of Chief Justice Marshall as a historian 
for research, truth, and impartiality, is equal, if not superior, 
to that of any other uninspired writer. As illustrative of 
that character, the following extr^ict is made from the 
Honorable Horace Binitey's Eulogy: — 

" He composed and published, in the year 1804, a copious bio- 
graphy of Washington, surpassing in authenticity and minute 
accuracy, any public history with which we are acquainted. 
He found time also to revise it, and to publish a second edition, 
separating the history of the American Colonies from the bio- 
graphy, and to prepare, with his own pen, an edition of the latter 
for the use of schools. Every part of it is marked with the scru- 
pulous veracity of a judicial exposition ; and it shows, more- 
over, how deeply the writer was imbued with that spirit which 
will live after all the compositions of men shall be forgotten, — 
the spirit of charity, which could indite a history of the revolu- 
tion and of parties, in which he was a conspicuous actor, with- 
out discoloring his pages with the slightest infusion of gall. It 
could not be written with more candor an hundred years hence." 



IV ADVERTISEMENT. 

The life of Washington is an indispensable study for 
American youth, because it forms an integral and most im- 
portant part of the history of the foundation of our great 
Republic, and offers to their susceptible minds the most 
brilliant example of human virtue in the conduct of the 
founder ; whether he be viewed as a statesman, a soldier 
or a man. 

It must be considered, therefore, as a most fortunate 
circumstance for our country, that so bright an intellect, 
and so pure a heart, as those of John Marshall, were faith- 
fully devoted to recording the important events of the life 
of her greatest man ; and it is not doubted that she will 
receive this history as a precious bequest, to be perpetually 
preserved ; and to be studied by her youth to the end of 
time. 

The text has been carefully and faithfully printed from 
the author's own manuscript : the questions under the line 
at the bottom of each page, have been added by another 
hand, to aid the memory of those engaged in studying the 
history. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
Birth of George Washington.— His mission to the French Gfeneral of Ohio.— Is 
appointed Lieutenant of a Colonial regiment.— Surprises Monsieur Junonvjlle.— 
Capitulation of fort Necessity.— Appointed Aid-de-camp to General Braddock.— 
Defeat and death of that General.— Appointed to the command of a Colonial re- 
giment.— Distress of the frontiers.— Expedition against fort Du duesne.— Defeat of 
Major Grant.— Fort Du Gluesne evacuated.— Colonel Washington resigns.— His 
marriage Page 11 

CHAPTER n. 

Colonel Washington appointed commander-in-chief of the American forces.— Ar- 
rives at Cambridge. — Strengtli and disposition of the army. — Deficiency in arms 
and ammunition.— Falmouth burnt.— Measures to form a continental army.— 
Difficulty of re-enlisting the troops.— General Lee detached to New York.— Pos- 
session taken of the heights of Dorchester.— Boston evacuated.— Correspondence 
respecting prisoners 26 

CHAPTER in. 

Invasion of Canada.— Carlton defeated.— St. John's taken.— Montreal capitu- 
lates. — Expedition of Arnold. — He arrives before Q.uebec. — Retires to Point aux 
Tremble.— Montgomery lays siege to Quebec— Unsuccessful assault on that place. 
—Death of Montgomery.— Blockade of duebec— General Thomas takes command 
of the army.— The blockade raised.— General Sullivan takes the command.— 
Battle of the Three Rivers.— Canada evacuated.— General Carlton enters Lake 
Cham plain. —Defeats the American Flotilla.- Takes possession of Crown Point.— 
Retires into winter quarters 33 

CHAPTER IV. 

Transactions in Virginia.— Action at the Great Bridge.— Norfolk burnt.— Trans- 
actions in North Carolina. — Action at Moore's creek Bridge. — Invasion of South 
Carolina.— British fleet repulsed at fort Moultrie.— Transactions in New York.— 
Measures tending to Independence.— Independence declared 40 

CHAPTER V. 

Lord and Sir William Howe arrive before New York.— Circular letter of Lord 
Howe.— State of the American army.— The British land on Long Island.— Battle 
of Brooklyn.— Fruitless negotiations.- New York evacuated.— Skirmish on the 
heights of Haarlem 48 

CHAPTER VI. 

The British land at Frogsneck.— York Island, except fort Washington, evacuat- 
ed.— Battle of the White Plains.— General Howe returns to Kingsbridge.— General 
Washington crosses the North river.— Fort Washington surrenders.— Fort Lee 
evacuated.— Weakness of the American army.— Ineffectual attempts to raise the 
militia.— Retreat through Jersey.— Capture of General Lee.— General Washing- 
ton creases the Delaware.— The British go into winter quarters.— Battle of Tren- 
ton.— JPrinceton.— Firmness of Congress 00 

1* • (5) 



VI CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VII. 

American army inoculated.— State of the army.— Destruction of stores at Peeks- 
kill— at Danbury.— Expedition to Sagg Harbor.— Camp formed at Middle Brook.— 
British move out to Somerset Court-House.— Return to Amboy.— Attempt to cut 
off the retreat of the American army at Middle Brook.— Lord Corn wallis skirmishes 
with Lord Sterling.— General Prescot surprised and taken.— The British army 
embarks 33 

CHAPTER VIII. 

General Washington marches towards the Delaware.— Takes measures for check- 
ing Burgoyne.— British army lands at the ferry on Elk River.— General Washing- 
ton advances to the Brandywine.— Retreat of Maxwell.— Defeat at Brandywine. — 
Skirmish on the 16th of September.— Retreat to French Creek.— General Wayne 
surprised— General Howe takes possession of Philadelphia.— Congress removes to 
Lancaster 80 

CHAPTER IX. 

Measures to cut off the communication between the British army and fleet.— 
Battle of Germantown.— Attack on fort Mifflin.— On Red Bank.— The Augusta 
blown up.— General Washington takes post at White Marsh.— Fort Mifflin evacu- 
ated. — Fort Mercer evacuated. — The British open a communication with their 
fleet.— General Howe marches toChesnut Hill.— Returns to Philadelphia.— General 
Washington goes into winter quarters 88 

CHAPTER X. 

Enquiry into the conduct of General Schuyler.— Burgoyne appears before Ticon- 
deroga.— Evacuation of that place.— Of Skeenborough.— Defeat of Colonel Warner. 
— Evacuation of Fort Anne. — Burgoyne approaches Fort Edward.-Schuyler retires 
to Saratoga.— To Stillwater.— St. Leger invests Fort Schuyler.— Herkimer defeated. 
—Colonel Baum detached to Bennington.— Is defeated.— Breckman defeated.— St, 
Leger abandons the siege of Fort Schuyler.— Gates takes command.— Burgoyne en- 
camps on the heights of Saratoga.— Battle of Stillwater.— Of the 7th of October.— 
B<irgoyne retreats to Saratoga.— Capitulates.— The British take Forts Montgomery 
and Clinton.— Forts Independence and Constitution evacuated.— The British eva- 
cuate Ticondcroga 98 

CHAPTER XI. 

Distresses of the army. — It is subsisted by impressment.— Combination against 
General Washington, — Congress send a committee to camp. — Attempt to surprise 
Captain Lee.— Congress determines on a second expedition to Canada.— Abandons 
it.— General Conway resigns.— The Baron Steuben appointed Inspector-General.— 
Congress forbids the embarkation of Burgoyne's army.— Plan of reconciliation 
agreed to in Parliament.— Rejected by Congress.— Information of treaties with 
France.— Great Britain declares war against France.— Treatment of prisoners.— 
Partial exchange Ill 

CHAPTER XII. 

Incursion into Jersey.— General Lacy surprised.— Attempt on Lafayette at Bar- 
ren Hill.- General Howe resigns.- Is succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton.— He eva- 
cuates Philadelphia.— Marches through Jersey.— Battle of Monmouth.— General 
Lee arrested.— Sentenced to be suspended.— Thanks of Congress to General Wash- 
ington and the army 124 



CONTENTS. Vli 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Count D'Estaing arrives with a French fleet.— Meditates an attack on the Bri- 
tish fleet in the harbor of New York.— Relinquishes it.— Sails to Rhode Island.— la 
followed by Lord Howe.— Both fleets dispersed by a storm.— General Sullivan laya 
siege to Newport.— D'Estaing returns.— Sails for Boston.— Dissatisfaction of Sul- 
livan.— He raises the siege of Newport.— Action on Rhode Island.— Sullivan re- 
treats to the continent.— Exertions of Washington to assuage the irritations of Sul- 
livan and D'Estaing.— Lord Howe resigns.— Colonel Baylor surprised.— Skirmish 
between Colonel Butler and Captain Donop — Pulaski surprised 131 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Terms of reconciliation proposed by the British Commissioners.— Answer of 
Congress.— Attempts of Mr. Johnson to bribe some members of Congress.— Mani- 
festo of Commissioners.— Arrival of Monsieur Girard, Minister of France.— Irrup- 
tion of the Indians into Wyoming. — Battle of Wyoming. — Colonel Dennison 
capitulates for the inhabitants. — Colonel Clarke surprises Vincennes.— Plan for 
the invasion of Canada.— General Washington induces Congress to abandon it.. .. 137 

CHAPTER XV. 

Invasion of Georgia.— General Howe defeated by Colonel Campbell.— Savannah 
taken.— Sunbury surrenders.— Georgia reduced.— General Lincoln takes command 
of the Southern army.— Major Gardener defeated.— Tories in South Carolina de 
feated.— Ash surprised and defeated.— Prevost marches to Charleston.— Battle at 
Stono ferry.— Invasion of Virginia.. .« 143 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Discontents in a part of the American army.— Colonel Van Schaick destroys an 
Indian settlement.— Fort Fayette surrenders to the British.— Invasion of Connec- 
ticut.— General Wayne storms Stony Point. — Expedition against Penobscot. — 
Fowles' Hook surprised by Major Dean.— Arrival of Admiral Arbuthnot.— Of the 
Count D'Estaing.— Siege of Savannah.— Unsuccessful attempt to storm the place. — 
Siege raised.— Victory of General Sullivan over the Indians.— Spain declares war 
against England.— The army goes into winter quarters 14Q 

CHAPTER XVII. 

South Carolina invaded.— The British fleet passes the bar and enters the harbor 
of Charleston.— Opinion of General Washington that the place should be eva- 
cuated.— Sir Henry Clinton invests the town.— Tarlton surprises an American 
corps at Monk's Corner.— Fort Moultrie surrendered.— Tarlton defeats Colonel 
White. — Charleston capitulates. — Buford defeated. — Arrangements for the govern- 
ment of South Carolina andGeorgia.— Sir Henry Clinton embarks for New York. — 
General Gates takes command of the southern army.— Is defeated near Camden.— 
Death of De Kalb.— Success of Sumpter.— He is defeat ed.... 160. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Distress In camp.— Requisitions on the States.— New scheme of finance. — Reso- 
lution to make up depreciation of pay. — Mutiny in the line of Connecticut. — Gen- 
eral Knyphausen enters Jersey. — Sir Henry Clinton returns to New York. — Skir- 
mish at Springfield. — Bank established at Philadelphia. — Contributions of the 
ladies. — Arrival of a French armament in Rhode Island.— Changes in the Q,uar- 
ter-Master'fl department.— Naval superiority of the British.. 171 



Viii CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



Treason and escape of Arnold. — Execution of Major Andre. — Proceedings of 
Congress respecting the army. — Major Talmadge destroys the British stores at 
Coram.— The army retires into winter quarters.— Irruption of Major Carlton into 
New York.— European transactions 181 

CHAPTER XX. 

Transactions in South Carolina and Georgia.— Defeat of Ferguson.— Lord Corn- 
wallis enters North Carolina.— Retreats out of that state.— Major Wemys defeated. 
— Tarlton repulsed.— Greene appointed to command the Southern army.— Arrives 
in camp.— Detaches Morgan over the Catawba.— Battle of the Cowpens.— Greene 
retreats into Virginia.— Lord Cornwallis retires to Hillsborough.— Greene recross- 
63 the Dan. — Loyalists under Colonel Pyle cut to pieces. — Battle of Guilford.— 
Lord Cornwallis retires to Ramsay's mills. — To Wilmington. — Greene advances 
to Ramsay's mills.— Determines to enter South Carolina.— Lord Cornwallis resolves 
to enter Virginia 188 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Virginia invaded by Arnold. — He destroys the stores at Westham and at Rich- 
mond.— Retires to Portsmouth.— Mutiny of the Pennsylvania line.— Sir H. Clinton 
attempts to negotiate with the mutineers.— They compromise with the Government. 
—Mutiny in the Jersey line. — Mission of Colonel Laurens to France. — Congress 
recommends a system of revenue.— Reform in the Executive departments.— Con- 
federation adopted. — Military transactions. — Lafayette detached to Virginia. — 
Cornwallis arrives.— Presses Lafayette.— Expedition to Charlottesville, to Point of 
Fork.— Lafayette forms a junction with Wayne.— Cornwallis retires to the lower 
country.— General Washington's letters intercepted.— Action near Jamestown 201 

CHAPTER XXII. 

State of affairs in the beginning of 1781.— Measures of Mr. Morris.— Designs of 
General Washington against New York. — Rochambeau marches to the North 
River.— Intelligence from the Count de Grasse. — Plan of operations against Lord 
Cornwallis. — Naval engagement. — The combined armies march for the Chesa 
peake. — Yorktown invested.— Surrender of Lord Coru wallis... , 211 

CHAPTER XXm. 

Greene invests Camden.— Battle of Hobkirk's hill.— Progress of Marion and. Loo. 
—Lord Rawdon retires into the lower country. — Greene invests Ninety-Six. — Is 
repulsed. — Retires from that place. — Activity of the armies. — Movements sus 
pended by the heat.— They resume active operations.— Battle ofEutaw.— The Brit- 
ish army retires towards Charleston 222 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Preparations for another campaign.— Proceedings in the Parliament of Great 
Britain.— Conciliatory conduct of General Carlton.— Transactions in the South.— 
Negotiations for peace. — Preliminary and eventual articles of peace between the 
United States and Great Britain.— Discontents of the American army.— Peace.- 
Mutiny of a part of the Pennsylvania line.— Evacuation of New York.— General 
Washington resigns his commission, and retires to Mount Vernon 234 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

General Washington devotes his time to agriculture, to the duties of friendship, 
and to institutions of public utility. — Resolves of Congress and of the Legisla- 
ture of Virginia for erecting statues to his honor. — He recommends the improve- 
ment of internal navigation. — Declines accepting a donation offered by his native 
state.— The Society of the Cincinnati.— The causes which led to a change of the 
government of the United States.— Circular letter to the Governors of the several 
states 24 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Differences between the United States and Great Britain.— Mr. Adams appointed 
Minister to Great Britain. — Discontents excited by the commercial regulations 
of that power.— Parties in the United States,— Convention at Annapolis— Virginia 
appoints deputies to a convention at Philadelphia. — General Washington chcsen 
one of them. — Insurrection in Massachusetts. — Convention at Philadelphia. — 
Form of government submitted to the several states. — Ratified by eleven of them. 
—General Washington elected President.— Meeting of the first Congress 254 

CHAPTER XXVn. 

The election of General Washington officially announced to him.— He proceeds 
to the seat of government. — Marks of affection shown him on his journey. — His 
inauguration, — His system of intercourse with the world. — Answers of both Houses 
of Congress to his speech.— Domestic and foreign relations of the United States.— 
Debates in Congress. — Amendments to the constitution. — Appointments to office. 
—Adjournment of Congress.— The President visits New England.— North Carolina 
adopts the constitution 266 

CHAPTER XXVin. 

Meeting of Congress.— President's speech.— Report of the Secretaiy of the Trea- 
sury.— Debate thereon.— Bill for fixing the seat of government.— Adjournment of 
Congress.— Treaty with the Creek Indians.— Relations of the United States with 
Great Britain and Spain.— Constitution adopted by Rhode Island. — Congress 
meets at Philadelphia.— Speech of the President.— Debates on the excise.— On the 
bank.— Division in the cabinet on the law.— Defeat of Harmer.— Adjournment of 
Congress 279 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Major-General St. Clair appointed commander-in-chief.— The President makes 
a tour through the southern states.- Meeting of Congress.— President's speech.— 
Debate on the bill for apportioning representatives.— Defeat of General St. Clair. 
— Opposition to the augmentation of the army. — Report of the Secretary of the 
Treasury. — Debate thereon. — Arrangement respecting the seat of government. — 
Congress adjourns.— Disagreement between the Secretaries of State and Treasury. 
—Opposition to the excise law. —Proclamation issued by the President.— Insurrec- 
tion in St. Domingo. — General Wayne appointed to command the army. — Meeting 
of Congress. — President's speech. — Resolution implicating the Secretary of the 
Treasury rejected.— Congress adjourns.— Progress of the French revolution.— The 
effects on parties 290 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

General Washington again unanimously elected President of the United Statea. 
—War between Great Britain and France.— Proclamation of Neutrality.— Arri- 
val of Mr. Genet as minister of France. — His conduct. — Illegal proceedings of 
French Cruisers.— Opinions of the Cabinet.— State of Parties.— Democratic Soci- 
eties.— Genet openly insults the Government.— Rules to be observed in the Ports of 
the United States respecting the Powers at War.— The President requests the re- 
call of Genet.— British order of the 8th of June, 1793 307 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Meeting of Congress.— President's speech.— His message on foreign relations.— 
Report of the Secretary of State. — His resignation. — Is succeeded by Mr. Ran- 
dolph. — Mr. Madison's resolutions, founded on the report of the Secretary of State. 
—Debate thereon. — Mission of Mr. Jay to Great Britain. — Inquiry into the conduct 
of the Secretary of the Treasury.— Internal taxes.— Congress adjourns 322 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

Genet recalled. — Is succeeded by Mr. Fauchet. — Mr. Morris recalled. — Is suc- 
ceeded by Mr. Monroe. — Kentucky Remonstrance. — Intemperate Resolutions of 
the people of that State. — General Wayne defeats the Indians on the Miamis. 
—Insurrection in the western part of Pennsylvania.— duelled.— Meeting of Con- 
gress.— President's speech.— Democratic Societies.— Resignation of Colonel Hamil- 
ton.— He is succeeded by Mr. Wolcott.— Resignation of General Knox.— He is suc- 
ceeded by Colonel Pickering. — Treaty with Great Britain. — Conditionally ratified. 
—Is unpopular.— Mr. Randolph resigns.— Is succeeded by Colonel Pickering.— Mr. 
M'Hcnry appointed Secretary of War. — Charges against the President refuted.— 
Treaty with the Indianis.— With Algiers.— With Spain.— Meeting of Congress. — 
President's Speech. — Mr. Adet succeeds Mr. Fauchet. — The House of Representa- 
tives call on the President for papers.- He declines sending them. — Debates on the 
treaty-making power.— On the bill for making appropriations to carry the Treaty 
with Great Britain into effect.— Congress adjourns.— The President endeavours to 
procure the liberation of Lafayette .* 332 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Hostile measures of France. — Mr. Monroe recalled, and General Pinckney ap- 
pointed to succeed him — General Washington's valedictory address. — The minister 
of France endeavors to influence the election of President. — The President's speech 
to Congress. — He denies the authenticity of certain spurious letters, republished as 
his. — John Adams elected President, and Thomas Jefferson Vice-President. — Gene- 
ral Washington retires to Mount Vernon. — Political situation of the United States. 
—The French government refuses to receive General Pinckney.— Congress con- 
vened. — President's speech.— Three envoys extraordinary deputed to France.— Their 
treatment.— The United States prepare for war.— General Washington appointed 
commander-in-chief.— His death— And character .357 



ml 



MARSHALL'S 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth of George Washington.— His mission to the French General of Ohio.— Is ap- 
pointed Lieutenant of a Colonial regiment.— Surprises Monsieur Junonville.— Ca- 
pitulation of fort Necessity.— Appointed Aid-de-camp to General Braddock.— Defeat 
and death of that General.— Appointed to the command of a Colonial regiment.— 
Distress of the frontiers.— Expedition against fort Du duesne.— Defeat of Major 
Grant.— Fort Du QJUesne evacuated.— Colonel Washington resigns. — His marriage. 

George Washington, the third son of Augustine Washington, 
was born on the 22d of February, 1732, near the banks of the 
Potomac, in the county of Westmoreland, in Virginia. His father 
married Miss Butler, who died in 1728 ; leaving two sons, Law- 
rence and Augustine. In 1730, he intermarried with Miss Mary 
Ball, by whom he had four sons, George, John, Samuel, and 
Charles ; and one daughter, Betty, who intermarried with Colonel 
Fielding Lewis, of Fredericksburg. 

His great-grand-father, John Washington, had emigrated from 
the north of England, about the year 1657, and settled on the 
place where Mr. Washington was born. 

At the age of ten years, he lost his father. An affectionate 
mother continued to impress those principles of religion and virtue 
on his tender mind, which constituted the solid basis of a character 
that was maintained throughout all the trying vicissitudes of an 
eventful life. But his education was limited to subjects strictly 
useful, not even extending to foreign languages. 

At the age of eighteen, he was appointed a surveyor in the 
western part of the northern neck of Virginia ; and, in that office, 
acquired such information respecting vacant lands, and formed 
those opinions concerning their future value, which afterwards 
contributed greatly to the increase of his fortune. 

Those powerful attractions, which the profession of arms pre- 
sents to young and ardent minds, possessed their full influence 

Mention the date and place of Washington's birth. What was his 
parentage ? Relate the course of his early life. 

11 



12 MARSHALL'S 

over Mr. Washington. Stimulated by the enthusiasm of mihtary 
genius, to take part in the war in which Great Britain was then 
engaged, he pressed earnestly to enter into the navy, and, at the age 
of fi&en, a midshipman's warrant was obtained for him. The 
interference of a timid and affectionate mother deferred the com- 
mencement, and changed the course, of his military career. Four 
years afterwards, when the militia were to be trained for actual 
service, he was appointed one of the Adjutants- General of Vir- ) 
ginia, with the rank, of Major. The duties annexed to this office 
soon yielded to others of a more interesting character. 

France was beginning to develop the vast plan of connecting 
her extensive dominions in America, by uniting Canada to Louis- 
iana. The troops of that nation had taken possession of a tract 
of country claimed by Virginia, and had commenced a line of 
posts, to be extended from the Lakes to the Ohio. The attention 
of Mr. Dinwiddle, Lieutenant-Governor of that province, was 
attracted to these supposed encroachments, and he deemed it his 
duty to demand in the name of the King, his master, that they 
should be suspended. ^ 

This mission was toilsome and hazardous. The Envoy would 
be under the necessity of passing through an extensive and almost 
unexplored wilderness, inhabited by fierce savages, v/ho were 
either hostile to the English or of doubtful attachment. While 
the dangers and fatigues of this service deterred others from un- 
dertaking it, they seem to have possessed attractions for Mr. Wash- 
ington, and he engaged in it with alacrity. 

On receiving his commission, he proceeded to Wills' creek, 
then the extreme frontier settlement of the English, where guides 
were engaged to conduct him over the Alleghany mountains. At 
the mouth of Turtle creek he was informed that the French gen- ; 
eral was dead, and that the army had retired into winter quarters.^. 
Pursuing his route, he examined the country through which he"^ 
passed, with a military eye, and selected the confluence of the 
Monongahela and Alleghany rivers, the place where fort Du' 
Quesne was aflerwards erected by the French, as a position which 
it would be advisable to seize and fortify immediately. 

Afler employing a few days in securing the fidelity of the In- 
dians in that neighborhood, he ascended the Alleghany to a French 
fort where he was received by the commanding officer on the 
Ohio, to whom he delivered the letter of Mr. Dinwiddle, and from 
whom he received an answer with which he returned to Williams- 
burg. The exertions made by Mr. Washington on this mission, 
the perseverance with which he surmounted the difficulties he en-; 

What was the commencement of Wasliington's military career ? Men-^ 
tion the designs of France in North America. What mission was deputed 
to George Washington ? How did he execute it ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 13 

countered, and the judgment displayed in his conduct toward the 
Indians, raised him in the public opinion as well as in that of the 
Lieutenant-Governor. His journal, drawn up for the inspection of 
Mr. Davidson, was publfshed, and impressecl his countrymen with 
very favorable sentiments of his understanding and fortitude. 

As the answer from the commandant of the French forces on 
the Ohio indicated no disposition to withdraw from that countr}", 
it was deemed necessary to make some preparations to maintain 
the rights asserted over it by the British crown ; and the Assem- 
bly of Virginia authorized the Executive to raise a regiment for 
that purpose, to consist of three hundred men. The command of 
this regiment was given to Mr. Fry, and Major Washington was 
appointed Lieutenant- Colonel. Anxious to be engaged in active 
service, he obtained permission, about the beginning of April, to 
advance with two coftnpanies to the Great Meadows, in the Al- 
leghany Mountains. Soon after his arrival at that pkice, he was 
informed by some friendly Indians that the French, having dis- 
persed a party of workmen employed by the Ohio Company to 
CBect a fort on the south-eastern branch of the Ohio, were en- 
gaged in completing a fortification at the confluence of the Al- 
leghany and Monongahela rivers ; a detachment from which place 
was then on its march towards his camp. Though open hostili- 
ties had not yet commenced, the country was considered as in- 
vaded; and several circumstances were related, confirming the 
opinion that this party was approaching with hostile views. Con- 
fident of this, Lieutenant-Colonel Washington resolved to antici- 
pate them. Proceeding under the guidance of Indians, through a 
dark and rainy night, to the French encampment, he completely 
surrounded it ; and, at daybreak, his troops fired and rushed 
upon the party, v/hich imsnediately surrendered. One man only 
escaped capture ; and Monsieur Junonville alone, the commanding 
officer, was killed. 

While the regiment was on its march to join the detachment 
advanced in front, the command devolved on Lieutenant- Colonel 
Washington by the death of Colonel Fry. Soon afler its arrival, 
it was reinforced by two independent com.panies of regulars. After 
erecting a small stockade at the Great Meadows, Colonel Wash- 
ington commenced his march towards fort Du Quesne, with the 
intention of dislodging the French from that place. He had not 
proceeded more than thirty miles, when he was informed by some 
friendly Indians, that the French, " as numerous as the pigeons 
in the wood," were advancing rapidly to meet hina. Among those 
who brought this information was a trusty chief, only two days 

What expedition was now raised to oppose the designs of the French, and 
what station was assigned to Washington ? Whither did the troops pro* 
ce«d, and who finally had the chief command ? 
2 



14 MARSHALL'S 

from the post on the Ohio, who had observed the arrival of a con- 
siderable reinforcement at that place, and had heard them express 
the intention of marching immediately to attack the English, with 
a corps composed of eight hundred French and four hundred 
Indians. 

The ground occupied by Colonel Washington was not adapted 
to military purposes. A road leading through other defiles in the 
mountains, would en.ible the French to pass into his rear, inter- 
cept his supplies, and starve him into a surrender, or fight him 
with a superiority of three to one. 

In this hazardous situation, a council of war unanimously ad- 
vised a retreat to the fort at the Great Meadows, now termed fort 
Necessity ; where the two roads united, and where the face of the 
country was such as not to permit an enemy to pass him unper- 
ceived. At that place he intended to await the arrival of reinforce- 
ments. 

In pursuance of this advice, Colonel Washington returned to 
fort Necessity, and began a ditch around the stockade. Before it 
was completed, the French and Indians, computed at fifteen hun- 
dred men, commanded by Monsieur de Villier, appeared before the 
fort, and commenced a furious attack upon it. They were received 
with great intrepidity by the Americans, who fought partly within 
the stockade, and partly in the surrounding ditch, which was nearly 
filled with mud and water. Colonel Washington continued the 
whole day on the outside of the fort, encouraging the soldiers by 
his countenance and example. The assailants fought under cover 
of the trees and high grass with which the country abounds. The 
action continued from ten in the morning until dark, when Mon- 
sieur de Villier demanded a parley, and offered terms of capitula- 
tion. These were rejected, but, in the course of the night, articles 
were signed, by which the fort was surrendered on condition that 
the garrison should be allowed the honors of war — should be 
permitted to retain their arms and baggage, and be suffered to 
march unmolested into the inhabited parts of Virginia. 

The loss of the Americans in this affair is not ascertained. A 
return made after arriving at Wills' creek, states the killed and 
wounded of the Virginia regiment at fifty-eight. The loss sus- 
tained by the two independent companies was not reported. That 
of the assailants was supposed to be more considerable. 

Great credit was given to Colonel Washington by his country- 
men, for the courage displayed in this engagement. The legisla- 
ture evinced its ssttisfaction with the conduct of the whole party, 
by passing a vote of thanks to him and the officers under his com- 

What were the disadvantageous circumstances under which Washington 
was attacked at fort Necessity ? What was the result ? Did this unfortu- 
nate issue impair the confidence reposed in Washington ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 15 

mandj and by giving three hundred pistoles to be distributed 
among the soldiers engaged in the action. 

The regiment returned to Winchester to be recruited ; soon after 
which it was joined by a few companies from North Carolina and 
Maryland. On the arrival of this reinforcement, the Lieutenant- 
Governor, with the advice of council, unmindful of the condition 
and number of the troops, ordered them to march immediately 
over the Alleghany mountains ; and to expel the French from for 
Du Quesne, or to build one in its vicinity. 

The little army in Virginia, now under the command 'of Colonel 
Innes of North Carolina, did not exceed half the number of the 
enemy, and was neither provided with the means of moving, nor 
with supplies for a winter campaign. With as little consideration, 
directions had been given for the immediate completion of the re- 
giment, without furnishing a shilling for the recruiting service — 
Colonel Washington remonstrated against these orders, but pre- 
pared to execute them. The assembly however, having risen 
without making any provision for the farther prosecution of the 
war, this wild expedition was abandoned, and the Virginia regi- 
ment was reduced to independent companies. 

In the course of the winter, orders were received " for settling 
the rank of his majesty's forces then serving with the provinciaJJs 
in North America." These orders directed "that all oiiicei^JS 
commissioned by the king, or by his general in North America, 
should take rank of all officers commissioned by the governors of 
the respective provinces : and further, that the general and field 
officers of the provincial troops should have no rank when serving 
with the general and field officers commissioned by the crown ; 
but that all captains, and other inferior officers of the royal troops, 
should take rank over provincial officers of the same grade, hav- 
ing senior commissions." 

Still professing his attachment to a military life, Colonel Wash- 
ington could not submit to hold the station assigned to him, and 
retired indignantly from a service in which he was degraded by 
loss of rank. 

His eldest brother had lately died and left him Mount Vernon, — 
a considerable estate on the Potomac. To this delightful spot he 
withdrew, resolving to devote his future life to private pursuits 
This resolution was not long maintained. 

General Braddock, being informed of his merit, and his know- 
ledge of the country which was to become the theatre of action, 
gratified his desire to make one campaign under an officer sup- 

What was now determined by the Lieutenant-Governor ? Why was the 
plan abandoned ? W liat orders in respect to military rank were received 
from England ? What was the consequence ? Did Washington resume his 
martial pursuits ? 



16 MARSHALL'S 

posed to possess some knowledge of war, by inviting him to enter 
his family as a volunteer aid-de-camp. 

Having accepted this invitation, he joined the commander-in- 
chief on his march from Alexandria to Wills' creek. The army 
was detained at that place until the 12th of June, by the difficulty 
of procuring wagons, horses, and provisions. Colonel Washing- 
ton, impatient under these delays, suggested the propriety of using 
pack-horses instead of wagons : though the commander-in-chief at 
first rejected this advice, its propriety, soon after the commence- 
ment of the march, became too obvious to be longer neglected. 

On the third day after the army had moved from Wills' creek, 
Colonel Washington was seized with a violent fever which disabled 
him from riding on horseback, and was conveyed in a covered 
wagon. Being still privately consulted by the commander-in- 
chief, he urged that officer strenously to leave his heavy artillery 
and baggage with the rear division, and with a chosen body of 
troops, and some pieces of light artillery, to press forward to fort 
Du Quesne. In support of this advice, he stated that the French 
were then weak on the Ohio, but daily expected reinforcements. 
These could not arrive during the drought existing at that time, 
because the river Le Boeuf, on which their supplies must be 
brought to Virginia, was too low for the purpose. A rapid move- 
ment might enable him to carry the place before the arrival of the 
expected aid. But should the army remain united, the delays at- 
tending its march were such, that rain sufficient to raise the waters 
might be expected, and the whole force of the French might be 
collected for their reception ; — a circumstance which would render 
the success of the expedition doubtful. 

This advice according with the temper of the commander-in- 
chief, it was determined in a council of war that twelve hundred 
select men, to be commanded by the General in person, should 
advance with the utmost expedition against fort Du Quesne. 
Colonel Dunbar was to remain with the residue of the regular 
troops and all the heavy baggage. 

Colonel Washington was obliged to stop at the Great Crossings 
of the Yohogany — the physician having declared that his life 
would be endangered by continuing with the army. He obeyed 
the positive orders of the General to remain at this place ; having 
first received a promise that means should be used to bring him 
up with the army before it reached fort Du Quesne. 

The day before the action of the Monongahela, he joined the 
General in a covered wagon ; and, though weak, entered on the 
duties of his station. 

In what capacity did Washing-ton join the army of General Braddock ? 
What was his advice to that commander ? What detained Washington at 
the Great Crossings ? When did he join the army again ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 17 

In a short time after the action had commenced, Colonel Wash- 
ington was the only aid remaining alive and un wounded. The 
whole duty of carrying the orders of the commander-m-chief, in 
an engagement with marksmen who selected officers, especially 
those on horseback, devolved on him. Two horses were killed 
under him, and four balls passed through his coat. To the asto- 
nishment of all he escaped unhurt, while every other officer on 
horseback was killed or wounded. " I expected every moment,"' 
says an eye-witness, " to see him fall. His duty and situation 
exposed him to every danger. Nothing but the superintending 
care of Providence could have saved him from the fate of all 
around him." 

At length, after an action of nearly three hours. General Brad- 
dock, under whom three horses had been killed, received a mortal 
wound, and his troops fled in great disorder. Every effort to rally 
them was ineffectual until they had crossed the Monongahela. 
The General was brought off in a tumbril, by Colonel Washing- 
ton, Captain Stewart of the guards, and his servant. The defeated 
detachment retreated to the rear division of the army, where 
General Braddock expired. The military stores not necessary for 
immediate use were destroyed, and Colonel Dunbar marched the 
remaining European troops to Philadelphia. 

Colonel Washington, who was much dissatisfied with the con- 
duct of the regular soldiers in this action, bestowed great praise 
on the provincials. " The Virginia companies," he said in a letter 
to the Lieutenant-Governor, " fought like men and died like sol- 
diers. Captain Peronny and all his officers, down to a corporal, 
were killed. Captain Poulson had almost as hard a fate, for only 
one of his escaped." 

Colonel Washington had long been the favorite soldier of Vir- 
ginia, and his reputation grew with every occasion for exertion. 
His conduct in this battle had been universally extolled, and the 
common opinion of his countrymen was, that, had his advice been 
pursued, the disaster had been avoided. 

The Assembly, which was in session when intelligence of this 
defeat and of the abandonment of the province by Colonel Dunbar 
was received, immediately determined to raise a regiment for the 
defence of the colony, the command of which was given to Colonel 
Washington, who was also designated in his commission as the 
commander-in-chief of all the forces raised and to be raised in 
Virginia. The uncommon privilege of naming his field officers 
was added to this honorable manifestation of public confidence. 

After making the necessary arrangements for the recruiting ser- 

Give an account of the battle wherein Braddock was defeated. What was 
the conduct of Washington throughout that affair ? What appointment was 
soon afterwards conferred upon him ? 

2* 



18 MARSHALL'S 

vice, and visiting the posts on the frontier, he set out for the seat 
of government ; but was overtaken by an express carrying the 
intelligence that a large number of French and Indians, divided 
into several parties, had broken up the frontier settlements ; were 
mui'dering and capturing men, women^ and children; burning 
their houses, and destroying their crops. The troops stationed 
among them for their protection were unequal to that duty, and 
instead of affording aid to the inhabitants, were blocked up in their 
forts. 

Colonel Washington hastened back to Winchester, but his efforts 
to raise the militia were unavailing. Instead of assembling in arms 
and obtaining safety by meeting their invaders, the inhabitants 
fled into the lower country, and increased the general terror. He 
endeavored to collect and arm the men who had abandoned their 
houses, and -to remove their wives and children from this scene of 
desolation and carnage. Pressing orders were despatched to the 
newly appointed officers to forward their recruits, and to the 
county lieutenants east of the Blue Ridge to hasten their militia to 
Winchester. Before these orders could be executed, the invading 
enemy had recrossed the Alleghany Mountains. 

Early in the following spring another irruption, spreading death 
and desolation around, was made into the inhabited country. The 
number of troops on the regular establishment was unequal to the 
protection of the frontier, and effective service from the militia was 
found to be unattainable. The people either abandoned the country, 
or attempted to secure themselves in small stockade forts, where 
they were in great distress for provisions, arms, and ammunition , 
were often surrounded, and sometimes cut off. The letters of 
Colonel Washington at the time show the deep impression made 
on his mind by this afflicting and irremediable state of things. 

The incompetency of the military force to the defence of the 
country having become obvious, the assembly determined to aug- 
ment the regiment to fifteen hundred men. Colonel Washington 
urged the necessity of increasing it still further, and demonstrated 
the total incompetency of the number proposed to the protection of 
the extensive frontier of Virginia. His representations did not suc- 
ceed, and the distress of the country increased. As had been fore- 
seen, Winchester became almost the only settlement west of the 
Blue Ridge on the northern frontier ; and fears were entertained that 
tlie enemy would pass even that barrier, and ravage the country 
below it. Express after express was sent to hasten the militia, but 
sent in vain. At length, about the last of April, the French and 

What misfortune assailed the western frontier of Virginia ? What in- 
crease of defensive means was proposed by Washington ? Were the mea 
8ures of the Assembly adequate to the urgency of the danger ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 19 

their savage allies, laden with plunder, prisoners, and scalps, re- 
turned to fort Du Quesne. 

Some short time after their retreat, the militia appeared, and 
were employed in searching the country for small lingering par- 
ties of Indians, and in making dispositions to repel another inva- 
sion. A fort was commenced at Winchester, which, in honor of 
the General then commanding the British forces in America, was 
called fort Loudoun ; and the perpetual remonstrances of Colonel 
Washington at length effected some improvement in the military 
code. 

Successive incursions continued to be made by the French and 
Indians, who kept up a perpetual alarm, and murdered the de- 
fenceless wherever found. In Pennsylvania, the inhabitants were 
driven as far as Carlisle ; and, in Maryland, Fredericktown, on 
the eastern side of the Blue Ridge, became a frontier. With less 
than one thousand men, aided occasionally by militia. Colonel 
Washington was required to defend a frontier nearly four hundred 
miles in extent, and to complete a chain of forts. 

This campaign furnishes no event which can interest the reader ; 
yet the duties of the officer, though minute, were arduous ; and 
the suffering of the people beyond measure afHicting. It adds to 
the many instances history records of the miseries always to be 
expected by those who defer preparing the means of defence, 
until the moment when they ought to be used, and then rely on a 
force neither adequate to the danger, nor of equal continuance 
with it. 

As soon as the main body of the enemy had withdrawn from 
the settlements, a tour was made by Colonel Washington to the 
south-western frontier. There, as in the North, repeated incur- 
sions had been made ; and there too, the principal defence of the 
country was entrusted to our ill-regulated militia. 

After returning to Winchester, he gave the Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor, in curious detail, a statement of the situation in which he 
found the country, urging, but urging in vain, arguments which 
will always be suggested by experience, against relying chiefly on 
militia for defence. 

Sensible of the impracticability of defending such an extensive 
frontier, Colonel Washington continued to press the policy of en- 
abling him to act on the offensive. The people of Virginia, he 
thought, could be protected only by entering the country of the 
enemy; giving him employment at home, and removing the 
source of all their calamities by taking possession of fort Du 
Quesne. 

What was the condition of the frontiers, and with what amount of force 
was Washington required to defend them from French and Indian ravage? 
What measure was recommended by him to secure the frontier ? 



20 MARSHALL'S 

His inability to act offensively was not the only distressing and 
vexatious circumstance to which he was exposed. The Lieu« 
tenant- Governor, who seems to have been unequal to the difficul- 
ties of his station, frequently deranged his system by orders 
which could not be executed, and sometimes could not be well 
understood. He seems, too, to have occasionally manifested un- 
reasonable dissatisfaction with the conduct of the commander- 
in-chief. 

In the midst of these embarrassments. Lord Loudoun, in whose 
person the offices of Governor and commander-in-chief were 
united, arrived in Virginia. A comprehensive statement of the 
situation of the Colony in a military point of view, and of the 
regiment in particular, was drawn up and submitted to him by 
Colonel Washington. In this, he enumerated the errors which 
had prevented the completion of his regiment, showed the insuffi- 
ciency of militia for military purposes, and demonstrated the ad- 
vantages of an offensive system. 

This statement was probably presented by Colonel Washing- 
ton in person, in the winter when permitted to visit Lord Loudoun 
in Philadelphia, when that nobleman met the Governors of Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina, and the Lieutenant- 
Governor of Virginia, in order to consult with them on the mea- 
sures to be taken in their respective provinces, for the ensuing 
campaign. He was, however, disappointed in his favorite hope 
of being able to act offensively against the French on the Ohio. 
Lord Loudoun had determined to make a grand effort against 
Canada, and to leave only twelve hundred men in the middle and 
southern colonies ; yet his anxious wishes continued to be directed 
towards fort Du Quesne. In a letter written in May to Colonel 
StanwLx, who commanded in the middle colonies, he observed, 
" You will excuse me, sir, for saying that I think there never 
was. and perhaps never again will be, so favorable an opportunity 
as the present for reducing fort Du Quesne. Several prisoners 
have made their escape from the Ohio this spring, and agree in 
their accounts that there are but three hundred men left in the 
garrison. Surely then, this is too precious an opportunity to be lost." 

But Mr. Pitt did not yet direct the councils of Britain, and a spirit 
of enterprise and heroism did not yet animate her generals. The 
campaign to the North was inglorious ; and nothing was even at- 
tempted towards the West which might relieve the middle colonies. 

Large bodies of savages in the service of France once more 
spread desolation and murder over the whole country" west of 
the Blue Ridge. The regular troops were inadequate to the 

What statement was drawn up by Wasliington, and laid before the assem- 
bled Governors and Lord Loudoun ? Were the suggestions therein con- 
tained complied with ? What were the consequences ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 21 

defence of the inhabitants, and the incompetence of the defensive 
system to their security became everj^ day more apparent. He 
continued to urge on the Lieutenant-Governor, and on the Assem- 
bly, in his letters to the Speaker, the necessity of vigorous exer- 
tions. Without them he predicted that there would not be found 
an individual west of the Blue Ridge the ensuing autumn, except 
the troops in garrison, and a few in Winchester under the protec- 
tion of the fort. 

It was impossible that Colonel Washington, zealous in the ser- 
vice of his country, and ambitious .of military fame, could observe 
the errors committed in the conduct of the war without censuring 
them. These errors were extended to Indian affairs. The Che- 
rokees and Catawbas had hitherto remained faithful to the 17^7 
English, and it was very desirable to engage the warriors 
of those tribes heartily in their service ; but so badly was thein- 
tercourse with them conducted, that, though considerable expense 
was incurred, not much aid was obtained, and great disgust was 
excited among them. The freedom with which his censures were 
uttered gave offence to the Lieutenant-Governor, who considered 
them as manifesting a want of respect for himself. Sometimes 
he coarsely termed them impertinent; at others, charged him 
with looseness in his information, and inattention to his duty. On 
one of these occasions. Colonel Washington thus concluded a letter 
of detail : " I must beg leave before I conclude, to ob- . ^^ 
serve in justification of my own conduct, that it is with "°* 
pleasure I receive reproof when reproof is due, because no person 
can be readier to accuse me than I am to acknowledge an error 
when I have committed it, nor more desirous of atoning for a crime 
when I am sensible of being guilty of one. But on the other hand, 
it is with concern I remark that my best endeavors lose their re- 
ward ; and that my conduct, although I have uniformly studied to 
make it as unexceptionable as I could, does not appear to you in a 
favorable point of light ; otherwise your honor would not have ac- 
cused me of loose behavior, and remissness of duty, in matters 
where I think I have rather exceeded than fell short of it. This 
I think is evidently the case in speaking of Indian affairs at all, 
after being instructed in express terms not to have any concern 
with or management of Indian affairs." 

Not long after this he received a letter informing him of som ; 
coarse calumny, reflectingon his veracity and honor, which had 
been reported to the Lieutenant-Governor. He inclosed a copy 
of this letter to Mr. Dinwiddie, and thus addressed him : " I should 
take it infinitely kind if your honor would please to inform me 

In regard to the errors respecting the defence of the country, did Wash- 
ington express his opinion freely ? Whose ill-will did he draw upon him- 
self by his frankness on this subject ? 



22 MARSHALL'S 

whether a report of this kind was ever made to you ; and, in that 
case, who was the author of it. 

" It is evident from a variety of circumstances, and especially 
from the change in your honor's conduct towards me, that some 
person as well inclined to detract, but better skilled in the art of 
detraction than the author of the above stupid scandal, has made 
free with my character ! 

" If it be possible that * * * *, for my belief is staggered, no 
being conscious of having given the least cause to any one, mucl 
less to that gentleman, to reflect so grossly ; I say if it be possible 
that * * * * could descend so low as to be the propagator of this 
story, he must either be vastly ignorant of the state of affairs in 
this country at that time, or else he must suppose that the whole 
body of the inhabitants had combined with me in executing the 
deceitful fraud. 

" It is uncertain in what light my services may have appeared to 
your honour ; but this I know, and it is the highest consolation I 
am capable of feeling, that no man that ever was employed in a 
public capacity, has endeavored to discharge the trust in him with 
greater honesty, and more zeal for the country's interest than I 
have done." 

in a leiier some ^uZT. tlir.C ^^er this to the Lieutenant-Governor, 
he said, " I do not know that I ever gave your honor cause to 
suspect me of ingratitude ; a crime I detest, and would most care- 
fully avoid. If an open disinterested behavior carries offence, I 
may have offended, for I have all along laid it down as a maxim 
to represent facts freely and impartially, but not more so to others 
than to you, sir. If instances of my ungrateful behavior had 
been particularized, I would have answered them. But I have been 
long convinced that my actions and their motives have heen mali- 
ciously aggravated." 

Mr. Dinwiddie soon afterwards took leave of Virginia, and the 
government devolved on Mr. Blair, the president of the council. 
Between him and the commander of the colonial troops the utmost 
cordiality existed. 

After the close of the campaign of 1757, Loudoun returned to 
England, and General Abercrombie succeeded to the command of 
the army. The department of the middle and southern provinces 
was committed to General Forbes, who, to the inexpressible gra- 
tification of Colonel Washington, determined to undertake an ex- 
pedition against fort Du Quesne. 

-ijfTQ He urged an early campaign, but he urged it ineffectu- 
* ally ; and before the troops were assembled, a large body of 

Stale the substance of a letter from Washington to Mr. Dinwiddie. Who 
succeeded this latter gentleman as Governor of Virginia ? What two offi- 
cers had now the chief military commands ? 



LIFE OFWASHINGTON. 23 

French and Indians broke into the country, and renewed the hor- 
rors of the tomahawk and scalping-knife. The attempts made to 
intercept these savages were unsuccessful ; and they recrossed the 
Alleghany with their plunder, prisoners, and scalps. 

Among other motives for an early campaign. Colonel Wash- 
ington had urged the impracticability of retaining the Indians. 
His fears were well founded. Before a junction of the troops had 
been made, these savages became impatient, and finding that the 
expedition would yet be delayed a considerable time, they left tlie 
army, promising to rejoin it at the proper season. 

In pursuance of orders, the Virginia troops moved in detach- 
ments from Winchester to fort Cumberland, where they assembled 
early in July ; after which they were employed in opening a road 
to Raystown, where Colonel Bouquet was stationed. 

Colonel Washington had expected that the army would march 
by Braddock's road ; but, late in July, he had the mortification to 
receive a letter from Colonel Bouquet, asking an interview, in or- 
der to consult on opening a new road from Raystown, and request- 
ing his opinion on that route. " I shall," says he, in answer to this 
letter, " most cheerfully work on any road, pursue any route, or 
enter upon any service, that the General or yourself may think 
me usefully employed in or qualified for ; and shall never have a 
will of my own when a duty is required of me. But since you 
desire me to speak my sentiments freely, permit me to observe 
that, after having conversed with all the guides, and having been 
informed by others acquainted with the country, I am convinced 
that a road to be compared with General Braddock's, or indeed 
that will be fit for transportation even by pack-horses, can not be 
made." 

A few days after writing this letter he had an interview with 

Colonel Bouquet, whom he found decided in favour of opening the 

new road. After their separation. Colonel Washington addressed 

to him a letter to be laid before General Forbes, in which he stated 

I his reasons against this measure. He concluded his arguments 

: against it (arguments which appear to be conclusive) by declaring 

j his fears that, should the attempt be made, nothing more could be 

; done than to fortify some post west of the Alleghany, and prepare 

j for another campaign. This he prayed heaven to avert. 

In a letter to Major Halket, aid-de-camp to General Forbes, he 
thus expressed his forebodings of the mischiefs to be apprehended 
I from the adoption of the new route. " I am just returned from a 
I conference held with Colonel Bouquet. I find him fixed — I think I 
I may say unalterably fixed — to lead you a new way to the Ohio 

For what important expedition were the Virginia troops now assembled ? 
jWhat new project interfered with the early opening of the campaign? 
'what was Washington's opinion respecting it ? 



24 MARSHALL'S 

through a road, every inch of which is to be cut at this advanced 
season, when we have scarcely time left to tread the beaten tracl;, 
universally confessed to be the best passage through the mountains. 

" If Colonel Bouquet succeeds in this point with the General, 
all is lost ! all is lost indeed ! our enterprise is ruined ; and we 
shall be stopped at the Laurel Hill this winter ; but not to gather 
laurels, except of the kind which cover the mountains. The 
southern Indians will turn against us, and these colonies will be 
desolated by such an accession to the enemy's strength. These 
must be the consequences of a miscarriage ; and a miscarriage 
the almost necessary consequence of an attempt to march the 
army by this route." 

Colonel Washington's remonstrances and arguments were un- 
availing ; and the new route was adopted. His extreme chagrin 
at this measure, and at the delays resulting from it, was expressed 
in anxious letters to Mr. Fauquier, then governor of Virginia, and 
to the Speaker of the House of Burgesses. 
Sent 21 ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ afterwards ordered to Raystown. Major 

^ * * Grant had been previously detached from the advanced 
post at Loyal Hanna, with a select corps of eight hundred men, to 
reconnoitre the country about fort Du Quesne. The morning after 
his arrival in the vicinity of the fort, he detached Major Lewis of 
Colonel Washington's regiment, with a baggage-guard, two miles 
in his rear ; and sent an engineer with a covering party, in full 
view of the fort, to take a plan of the w^orks. An action soon 
commenced, on which Major Lewis, leaving Captain Bullett with 
about fifty Virginians to guard the baggage, advanced with the 
utmost celerity to support Major Grant. The English were de- 
feated with considerable loss ; and both Major Grant and Major 
Lewis were taken prisoners. In this action the Virginians mani- 
fested the spirit with which they had been trained. Of eight offi- 
cers, five were killed, a sixth wounded, and seventh taken prisoner. 
Captain Bullett, who defended the baggage with great resolution, 
and contributed to save the remnant of the detachment, was the 
only officer who escaped unhurt. Of one hundred and sixty-two 
men, sixty-two were killed on the spot, and forty-two wounded. 
Oct 11 ^^ ^^^ ^^ length determined that the army should move 
' from Raystown, and the colonels of regiments were re- 
quired to submit severally to the consideration of the General, a 
plan for his march. That proposed by Colonel Washington has 
been preserved, and appears to have been judiciously formed. 

They reached the camp at Loyal Hanna, through a road inde- 
scribably bad, about the fifth of November. At this place, as had 

Relate the incidents connected with the defeat of Major Grant. When 
was the army directed to take up its march, and at what time did it reach 
Loyal Hanna ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 25 

been predicted, a council of war determined that it was unadvisable 
to proceed farther this campaign. It would have been almost im- 
possible to winter an army in that position. They must have re- 
treated from the cold inhospitable wilderness into which they had 
penetrated, or have suffered immensely, perhaps have perished. 
Fortunately, some prisoners were taken who informed them of the 
extreme distress of the fort. Receiving no support from Canada, 
the garrison was w^eak, in great want of provisions, and deserted 
by the Indians. This encouraging intelligence changed the reso- 
lution which had been taken, and determined the General to prose- 
cute the expedition. 

Colonel Washington was advanced in front, and, with immense 
labor, opened a way for the main bod}^ of the army. The troops 
moved forward with slow and painful steps until they reached fort 
Du Quesne, of which they took possession on the 25th of Novem- 
ber ; the garrison having on the preceding night, after evacuating 
and setting it on fire, proceeded down the Ohio in boats. 

To other causes than the vigor of the officer who conducted the 
enterprise, is the capture of this important place to be ascribed. 
The naval armaments of Great Britain had intercepted the re- 
inforcements designed by France for her colonies ; and the pres- 
sure on Canada had disabled the Governor of that province from 
detaching troops to fort Du Quesne. Without the aid of these 
causes, the extraordinary and unaccountable delays of the cam- 
paign must have defeated its object. 

■ The works were repaired, and the new fort received the name 
of the great minister who, with unparalleled vigor and talents, then 
governed the British nation. 

After furnishing two hundred men from his regiment as a gar- 
rison for fort Pitt, Colonel Washington marched back to Winches- 
ter, whence he proceeded to Williamsburg to take his seat in the 
General Assembly, of which he had been elected a member by the 
county of Frederick, while at fort Cumberland. 

A cessation of Indian hostility being the consequence of the re- 
moval of the French from the Ohio, Virginia was relieved from 
immediate danger ; and the object for which alone he had contin- 
ued in service, after finding that he could not be placed on the per- 
manent establishment, was accomplished. His health was much 
impaired, and his private affairs required his attention. Impelled 
by these and other motives of a private nature, he determined to 
withdraw from a service which he might now quit without dis- 
honor ; and, about the close of the year, resigned his commission 
as colonel of the first Virginia regiment, and commander-in-chief 
of all the troops raised in the colony. 

To what causes may we attribute the easy capture of fort Du Qufisuc T 
Why did Washington wish to retire from the army ? 
3 



26 MARSHALL'S 

The officers whom he had commanded were strongly attached 
to him, and manifested their regret at parting with him, by an 
affectionate address, expressing the high opinion they entertained 
both of his miUtary and private character. 

This opinion was not confined to • the officers of his regiment. 
It was common to Virginia ; and had been adopted by the British 
officers with whom he served. The duties he performed, though 
not splendid, were arduous ; and were executed with zeal and with 
judgment. The exact discipline he established in his regiment, 
when the temper of Virginia was hostile to discipline, does credit 
to his military character ; and the gallantry the troops displayed 
when they were called into action, manifests the spirit infused into 
them by their commander. 

The difficulties of his situation while unable to cover the frontier 
from the French and Indians, who were spreading death and deso- 
lation in every quarter, were incalculably great; and no better 
evidence of his exertions under these distressing circumstances 
can be given, than the undiminished confidence still placed in him 
by those he was unable to protect. 

The efforts to which he incessantly stimulated his country for 
the purpose of obtaining possession of the Ohio ; the wise system 
for the conduct of the war which he continually recommended ; 
the vigorous and active measures always urged upon those by 
whom he was commanded ; manifest an ardent and enterprising 
mind, tempered by judgment, and quickly improved by experience. 

Not long afler his resignation he was married to Mrs. Custis, a 
young lady to whom he had been for some time attached ; and 
who, to a large fortune, and fine person, added those amiable ac- 
complishments which ensure domestic happiness, and fill with 
silent but unceasing felicity the quiet scenes of private life. 



CHAPTER II. 

Colonel Washington appointed commander-in-chief of the American forces.— Arrive* 
at Cambridge.— Strength and disposition of the army.— Deficiency in arms and am- 
munition.— Falmouth burnt.— Measures to form a continental army.— Difficulty of 
re-enlisting the troops.- General Lee detached to New York.— Possession taken of 
the heights of Dorchester.— Boston evacuated.— Correspondence respecting prisoners 

Colonel Washington took a decided part against the claims 
of supremacy asserted by the British parliament ; and was elected 
a member of the first congress. He was soon distinguished aa 
the soldier of America, and placed on all those committees whose 
duty it was to make arrangements for defence. When it became 

What character had Washington acquired by his military services ? 
Whom did he marry ? What part did he take in the approaching difficulties 
with the mother country ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 27 

necessary to appoint a commander-in-chief, his military character, 
the soHdity of his judgment, the steady firmness of his temper, the 
dignity of his person and deportment, the confidence inspired by 
his patriotism and industry, and the independence of his fortune, 
combined to designate him iilHhe opinion of all for that important 
station. Local jealousy was suppressed by the enthusiasm of the 
moment, and, on the 14th of June, 1775, he was unanimously 
chosen " general and commander-in-chief of the armies of the 
united colonies, and all the forces now raised or to be raised by 
them." 

On the succeeding day, when this appointment was communi- 
cated to him, he modestly expressed his high sense of the honor 
conferred upon him, and his firm determination to exert every 
power he possessed ij^ the service of his country and of her " glo- 
rious cause." Declining all compensation for his services, he 
avowed an intention to keep an exact account of his expenses, 
which he should rely on Congress to discharge. 

He hastened to the American army, which was encamped around 
Boston, in which place the British troops commanded by General 
Gage were besieged. It consisted of fourteen thousand five hun- 
dred men, but several circumstances combined to render it less 
effective than its numbers would indicate. 

In the hope of avoiding open hostilities, the time for preparing 
to meet them had passed away unemployed, and this neglect 
could not be remedied. In the essential article of ammunition, it 
was discovered, soon afler the arrival of the General in camp, 
that the magazines would furnish only nine cartridges for each 
man. Powder was to be obtained, not from officers under the 
control of Congress, but from committees and other local powers, 
who had collected small parcels for local defence. Arms, too, 
were deficient in number, and inferior in quality. The troops 
were almost destitute of clothing, and without tents. A siege was 
to be carried on without engineers, and almost without intrenching 
tools. In addition to these defects, many were discontented with 
the general officers appointed by Congress : and the mode of 
appointing regimental officers, in some of the colonies, where 
they were elected by the soldiers, was extremely unfavorable to 
discipline. Yet, under all these disadvantages, the General 
observed with pleasure, " the materials of a good army." There 
were " a great number of men, able-bodied, active, zealous in the 
vause, and of unquestionable courage." Possessed of these mate- 
vials, he employed himself indefatigably in their organization. 

The commander-in-chief felt the full importance of destroying 

What high appointment was conferred upon Washington by the Ameri. 
can Congress ? What were the force and condition of the array besieging 
Boston? 



28 MARSHALL'S 

the army in Boston, before it should be reinforced in the spring. 
The result of his assiduous inquiries into the situation of the 
enemy, seems to have been a strong inclination to the opinion that, 
to carry their works by storm, though hazardous, was not impracti- 
cable ; but, u council of general officers being unanimous against 
making the attempt, it was abandoned. 

To. relieve the wants of his army, produced by the rigorous 
blockade of Boston, the British general frequently detached small 
parties by water, in quest of fresh provisions. The task of repel- 
ling their incursions became so burdensome to the inhabitants of 
the sea-coast, that the several governors pressed for detachments 
from the main army, for their protection ; and the manifest dan- 
ger of granting the request did not appease the irritation excited 
by refusal. Congress was at length induced to pass a resolution, 
declaring that the army before Boston was designed solely to 
oppose the enemy in that place, and ought not to be weakened by 
detachments. At Newport, in Rhode Island, the committee sought 
security by entering into a stipulation with the officer command- 
ing the ships of war on that station, to furnish the requisite sup- 
plies on condition of his sparing the place. General Washington 
thought it necessary to remonstrate against this dangerous mea- 
sure. 

While the blockade of Boston was thus perseveringly main- 
tained, other events of considerable importance occurred else- 
where. 

In July, Georgia joined her sister colonies, and chose delegates 
to represent her in Congress ; af^r which, the style of " the thir- 
teen United Colonies" M^as assumed. 

After a recess of one month, Congress reassembled at Philadel- 
phia. 
^ ^ The scarcity of arms and ammunition, and the im- 
^ * * portance of a maritime force, engaged their immediate 
attention. It was more forcibly attracted to the latter object, by 
an event which, at the time, excited no ordinary degree of resent- 
ment. 

Orders had been issued to the commanders of the British ships 
of war to proceed against those seaport towns in which any troops 
should be raised, or military works erected, as in the case of 
actual rebellion. Under color of these orders, a small naval force, 
commanded by Captain Mowat, was detached against Falmouth, 
a flourishing village on the coast of Massachusetts. After reducing 
the town to ashes, an attempt was made to penetrate into the 
country ; but the militia and minute-men soon drove the party 

What annoyance was felt by the inhabitants of the sea-coast near Boston ? 
What state now joined the confederacy ? What steps were taken for secu- 
ring a naval force ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 29 

back to their ships. This measure was immediately followed by 
a resolution of the Convention of Massachusetts for issuing letters 
of marque and reprisal ; and by an addition of some ships of 
war, on the part of Congress, to the existing naval force. 

The re-enlistment of the iRny, next to the supply of arms and 
ammunition, was the subject most deeply interesting to the Ameri- 
can government. 

On the 29th of September, at the earnest solicitation of Gene 
ral Washington, a committee had been appointed by Congress 
with directions to repair to the camp at Cambridge, there to con- 
sult with the commander-in-chief and the governments of New 
England, " on the most effectual method of continuing, support- 
ing, and regulating a continental army." On the return of this 
committee. Congress determined that the new army should con- 
sist of twenty thousand three hundred and seventy-two men, 
including officers. Unfortunately, an essential error was com- 
mitted in constituting this first military establishment of the 
Union, the consequences of which ceased only with the war. 
The soldiers w^ere enlisted for the term of one year, if not sooner 
discharged by Congress. This fatal error brought the American 
cause more than once into real hazard. 

Other resolutions accompanied that for raising the new army, 
which exhibit the perilous condition of the country. The arms 
of those who refused to re-enlist, though private property, were 
detained at a valuation ; two dollars were offered to every recruit 
who would supply himself with a blanket ; cloths for the privates, 
(the price to be deducted from their pay,) were purchased without 
regard to color; and they were required to furnish their own 
arms, or to pay for the use of those which might be supplied by 
government. 

That enthusiastic ardor which had brought such numbers into 
the field afler the battle of Lexington, was already beginning to 
dissipate ; and though the orders of the day contain the most ani- 
mating exhortations to the army, and the strongest appeals to its 
patriotism, an ominous hesitation in forming new engagements 
was displayed. 

At length, with much labor, the officers were arranged, and 
recruiting orders were issued ; but the sufferings of the army had 
been so great, that this service advanced slowly. 

General Washington had earnestly urged Congress to offer a 

bounty ; but this expedient was not adopted till late in January ; 

i and, on the last day of December, when the old army was dis- 

What number was fixed upon as the complement of the American army ? 
What regulations were adopted for its continuance and e^ciency ? Were 
the troops generally willing to re-enlist ? 
3 * 



30 MARSHALL'S 

banded, only nine thousand six hundred and fifty men had been 
enlisted for the army of 1776. 

The General viewed with deep mortification the inactivity to 
which he was compelled to submit. His real difficulties were not 
generally known ; his numbers w^ie exaggerated ; his means of 
acting on the offensive were magnified ; the expulsion of the 
British army from Boston had been long since anticipated by 
many ; and those were not wanting who insinuated that the com- 
mander-in-chief was desirous of prolonging the war, in order to 
continue his own importance. 

Congress having manifested dispositions favorable to an attack 
on Boston, the general officers had been again assembled, and 
had again advised unanimously against the measure. Supposing 
that fear for the safety of the town might restrain the assault, 
Congress resolved, " that if General Washington and his council 
of war should be of opinion that a successful attack might be 
made on the troops in Boston, he should make it in any manner 
he might think expedient, notwithstanding the town and property 
in it might be thereby destroyed." 

-.j^f^ Considering this resolution as indicating the desire of 
' Congress, the General continued to direct his utmost 
efforts to that object. In January, a council of war, at which 
Mr. John Adams, a member of Congress, and Mr. Warren, Pre- 
sident of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, assisted, 
resolved, " that a vigorous attempt ought to be made on the minis- 
terial troops in Boston, before they can be reinforced in the spring, 
if the means can be provided and a favorable opportunity should 
offer ;" and for this purpose that thirteen regiments of militia should 
be required from Massachusetts and the neighboring colonies. 

The colonies complied with this requisition ; but such was the 
mildness of the early part of the winter that the waters continued 
open, and of course impassable. 

Early in January, the commander-in-chief received intelligence 
that an armament was equipping in Boston, to sail under General 
Clinton on a secret expedition. Believing its object to be New 
York, he detached General Lee with orders to raise a body of vo- 
lunteers in Connecticut, and proceed with them to that city, where 
he was to take command of the American troops, and was in- 
structed to put the fortifications in the best state of defence, to dis- 
arm the justly suspected, and to collect their arms and ammunition 
for the use of the American army. 

The volunteers were raised, and Lee commenced his march to 
New York at the head of twelve hundred men. The inhabitanta 

What was dgtermined upon, with reference to attacking- the British in 
Boston ? And what frustrated the contemplated movement ? Who pro 
ceeded to New York to defend that city against the enemy ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 31 

of that pla?e were alarmed at his approach. Captain Parker, of 
the Asia man-of-war, had threatened to destroy the city, should the 
provincials enter it. A committee of safety, exercising at the time 
the powers of government, addressed a letter to General Lee ex- 
pressing astonishment at the report that he designed to enter their 
city without consulting them, and urging him not to pass the con- 
fines of Connecticut. 

Lee continued his march, and represented so strongly the impo- 
licy of leaving the military arrangements for New York under 
the control of the local government, that Congress appointed three 
of its own members to consult with him and the committee of 
safety concerning the defence of the place. 

General Clinton arrived almost at the same instant with Gene- 
ral Lee, but without troops. He said openly, that none were com- 
ing, that no hostilities were contemplated against New York; and 
that he was proceeding to North Carolina, where he expected to 
be joined by five regiments from Europe. 

Late in February, appearances among the British troops indi- 
cated an intention to evacuate Boston. But as these appearances 
might be deceptive. General Washington, who had lately received 
a small supply of powder, determined to prosecute a plan which 
must force General Howe either to come to an action or to aban- 
don the town. 

Since the allowance of a bounty, recruiting had been more suc- 
cessful, and the regular force had been augmented to fourteen 
thousand men. The commander-in-chief had also called to his 
aid six thousand militia. Thus reinforced, he determined to take 
possession of the heights of Dorchester and fortify them. As the 
possession of this post would enable him to annoy the ships in the 
harbor and the soldiers in the town, he was persuaded that a gene- 
ral action would ensue. Should this hope be disappointed, his pur- 
pose was to make the works on the heights of Dorchester prepa- 
ratoiy to seizing and fortifying Nook's hill, and the points opposite 
the south end of Boston which commanded the harbor, a great 
part of the town, and the beach from which an embarkation must 
take place in the event of a retreat. 

To facilitate the execution of this plan, a heavy bombardment 
and cannonade were commenced on the British lines on the 2d of 
March, which were repeated on the succeeding nights. On the 
last of them a strong detachment under the command of General 
Thomas took possession of the heights, and labored with such 

What arrangement was made, in relation to measures for the defence of 
New York city-2 What inducement facilitated the increase of the Ameri- 
can army ? What was now the effective force ? What measure of annoy- 
ance to the British in Boston, was now contemplated by the commander in 
chief? *^ ^ 



32 MARSHALL'S 

persevering activity through the night, that the works were suffi 
ciently advanced by the morning nearly to cover them. 

It was necessary to dislodge the Americans or to evacuate the 
town, and General Howe determined to embrace the former part 
of the alternative. Three thousand chosen men commanded by 
Lord Percy, embarked, and fell down to the Castle, in order to pro- 
ceed up the river to the intended scene of action, but were scat- 
tered by a furious storm. Before they could be again in readiness 
for the attack, the works were made so strong that the attempt to 
storm them was thought unadvisable, and the evacuation of the 
town became inevitable. 

This determination was soon known to the Americans. A paper 
signed by some of the select-men, and brought out by a flag, com- 
municated the fact. This paper was accompanied by propositions 
said to be made by General Howe, relative to the security of the 
town, and the peaceable embarkation of his army. 

The advances of the American troops were discontinued, and 
considerable detachments were moved towards New York before 
the actual evacuation of Boston. That event took place on the 
17th of March ; and, in a few days, the whole fleet sailed out of 
Nantasket road, directing its course eastward ; immediately after 
which the American army proceeded by divisions to New York, 
where it arrived on the 14th of April. 

During the siege of Boston an altercation concerning prisoners 
took place between the commanders of the respective armies, 
which was viewed with great interest throughout America. The 
irritations General Gage had received as governor of Massachu- 
setts, seemed to influence his conduct as commander-in-chief He 
regarded the Americans as rebels, and viewed the great national 
resistance they were making, as the act of a few turbulent indivi- 
duals who would soon be quelled. In this spirit he threw some 
distinguished gentlemen of Boston, and the American officers and 
soldiers who fell into his hands, into the common jail of felons, 
and treated them, not as prisoners, but as state criminals. 

General Washington remonstrated very seriously against this 
unjustifiable measure, and declared his determination " to be regu- 
lated entirely towards the prisoners who should fall into his hands, 
by the treatment which those in the power of the British General 
should receive." To this letter a haughty answer was returned, 
retorting the complaints concerning the treatment of prisoners, 
and affecting to consider it as an instance of clemency, that the 
cord was not applied to those whose imprisonment was complained 

What prevented the intended attack of the British upon Dorchester Heights? 
What important movement of the British now took place ? What aJterca- 
tion occurred respecting prisoners of war ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 33 

of. To this answer, General Washington made a dignified reply, 
which was, he said, " to close their correspondence, perhaps for- 
ever ;" and which concluded with saying, " if your officers, our 
prisoners, receive from me a treatment different from what I wished 
Jo show them, they and you will remember the occasion of it." 

On the recall of General Gage, the command devolved on 
General Howe; and this rigorous treatment of prisoners was 
relaxed. 

Not long' after this correspondence. Colonel Ethan Allen wa 
captured in a rash attempt on Montreal. Under the pretext of his 
having acted without authority, he was put in irons and sent to 
England as a traitor. While he was in Canada, the commander- 
in-chief, at the request of Congress, addressed a letter to Sir Wil- 
liam Howe, assuring him that General Prescot, who had been 
taken in Canada, and was understood to have contributed to the 
seventies inflicted on Colonel Allen, should receive exactly the fate 
of that officer. 

General Howe not holding any authority in Canada, declined 
entering into the subject, and Congress ordered General Prescot 
into close jail. >f^=^'%^ 

f'^' \ \ f'- 

CHAPTER III. 

Invasion of Canada.— Carlton defeated.— St. Johns taken.— Montreal capitulates.— 
Expedition of Arnold.— He arrives before duebec— Retires to Point aux Tremble. — 
Montgomery lays siege to duebec— Unsuccessful assault on that place.— Death of 
Montgomery. — Blockade of Quebec. — General Thomas takes command of the army. — 
The blockade raised.— General Sullivan takes the command.— Battle of the Three 
Eivers.— Canada evacuated.— General Carlton enters Lake Champlain.— Defeats the 
American Flotilla.— Takes possession of Crown Point.— Retires into winter quarters. 

During these transactions, events of great interest were pass- 
ing still farther north. 

The discontents which prevailed in Canada, and the removal of 
the troops destined for its defence, to Boston, inspired Congress 
with the daring design of taking possession of that province. 

In June 1775, General Schuyler had been directed to repair to 
Ticonderoga, to secure the command of the lakes, to take posses- 
sion of St. Johns and Montreal, if that measure should not be 
disagreeable to the Canadians, and to pursue such other steps as 
might conduce to the peace and security of the United Colonies. 

Near three thousand men from New England and New York 
were designed for this service, and general Schuyler hastened to 
Ticonderoga. 

What important undertaking now engaged the attention of Congress ? 
What instructions were given to General Schuyler, in relation to the attempt 
upon Canada ? What was the force destined for the expedition ? 



34 MARSHALL'S 

Before the preparations were complete, or the soldiers assembled, 
the impatience expressed by the discontented in Canada, having 
rendered an immediate movement advisable, the troops then in 
readiness were ordered to the isle Aux Noix, at the junction of 
the Sorel with Lake Champlain, and the expected reinforcements 
were directed to meet at that place. General Schuyler having 
become dangerously sick, the command devolved on Montgomery 
who, late in September, at the head of near two thousand men 
laid siege to St. Johns. 

Colonel M'Clean, with his regiment of royal Highland Emi- 
grants and a few hundred Canadians, was posted near the junc- 
tion of the Sorel with the St. Lawrence ; and General Carlton had 
collected about a thousand men, chietiy Canadians, at Montreal. 
In attempting to effect a junction with M'Clean, he was encoun- 
tered and entirely defeated at Longue isle, by a body of Americans 
under Colonel Warner. M'Clean,. being immediately abaiitloned 
by his Canadians, and hearing that Arnold was approaching Point 
Levy, retreated to Quebec. On receiving this intelligence, St. 
Johns capitulated. 

This first success was nearly rendered useless by the expira- 
tion of the terms for which the soldiers were engaged. Before the 
General could induce them to march against Montreal, he was 
under the necessity of stipulating that all who wished it should be 
discharged at that place. Having effected this compromise, he 
proceeded against Montreal, while his floating batteries under 
Colonel Easton advanced up the river. After stipulating for the 
rights of self-government, the town was surrendered ; and Gov- 
ernor Carlton took refuge on board his flotilla. While prepara- 
tions were making to attack the vessels, the Governor escaped in 
a dark night, in a boat with muffled oars, down the river to Quebec. 

After garrisoning Montreal and the adjacent ports, Montgomery 
found the army Mdiich could follow him to Quebec, reduced to 
about three hundred men. 

Foreseeing that the whole force of Canada would be concen- 
trated about Montreal, General Washington had, in August, plan- 
ned an expedition against Quebec, to be carried on by a detach- 
ment from his camp before Boston, which was to march by the 
way of Kennebec river ; and passing through the then dreary 
wil'derness lying between the settled parts of Maine and the St. 
Lawrence, to enter Canada about ninety miles below Montreal. 

This arduous enterprise was entrusted to Colonel Arnold, and 
rather more than a thousand men were selected for the service. 

Relate the incidents of partial success which distinguished the American 
invasion of Canada. What diversion did Washington contemplate, to pre- 
vent the concentration of the entire British force at Montreal ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 35 

He commenced his march about the middle of September, and 
after encountering ahuost incredible hardships, arrived with two 
divisions of his army, on the 3d of November, at the first settle- 
ments on the Chaudiere, which empties itself into the St. Law- 
rence. The rear division had been compelled by the prospect of 
perishing with famine, to return from the Dead River, a branch of 
the Kennebec. 

After allowing a short respite to collect the rear and to refresh 
the men, Arnold resumed his line of march, and, on the 9th of 
November, reached Point Levi, opposite Quebec. A high wind 
and the want of boats rendered it impossible to cross the river, 
and to take advantage of the consternation excited by his first ap- 
pearance. While he was thus detained on the south side of the 
river, Colonel M'Clean entered the city and took measures for its 
defence. 

At length the wind moderated, and Arnold, having collected 
some canoes, determined to attempt passing the river. Eluding 
the armed vessels which guarded the passage, and conquering a 
rapid current, he crossed over, the night of the 14th of November, 
and landed a short distance above the place which is rendered 
memorable by the disembarkation of Wolfe. After ascending the 
same precipice, he, too, formed his small corps on the heights 
near the plains of Abraham. 

Counting on surprising the place, and finding the gates open, 
he proposed in a council of his officers to march immediately 
against Quebec, but was overruled. The next day he demanded 
a surrender of the town, but Colonel M'Clean prevented a mea- 
sure which the fears of the inhabitants would probably have in- 
duced. Being without cannon, almost destitute of ammunition, 
and not superior to the garrison in numbers, he determined to re- 
tire to Joint aux Tremble, about twenty miles above Quebec, there 
to await the arrival of Montgomery. 

That General, after clothing his almost naked troops, proceeded 
with his usual expedition at the head of about three hundred men 
to Point aux Treiflble, whence their united forces marched against 
Quebec. But Governor Carlton had entered the town and was 
preparing for a vigorous defence. The garrison amounted to 
fifteen hundred men, of whom eight hundred were militia. Mont- 
gomery's effective force was stated by himself at eight hundred. 
Yet he determined to lay siege to the town. 

His artillery was too light to make any impression on the walls, 
the weather was intensely cold, and a part of his army would 

What were Uii, difficulties that attended the progress of General Arnold ? 
What was his determination, and that of General Montgomery, with re- 
ference to an assault upon Quebec ? 



36 MARSHALL'S 

soon be entitled to a discharge. Under these circumstances he 
resolved to risk an assault. 

Of such materials was his little army composed, that it was ne- 
cessary not only to consult the officers but the soldiers. Their 
approbation was obtained with some difficulty, and between four 
and five in the morning of the 30th of December, the several 
divisions moved to the assault under a violent storm of snow. 

Montgomery advanced at the head of the New York troops 
round Cape Diamond, along the St. Lawrence to the first basin. 
A single piece was discharged, by which the General, with Cap- 
tains M'Pherson and Cheeseman, the first of whom was his aid, 
together with his orderly sergeant and a private, were killed upon 
the spot. The whole division retreated, and left the gari'ison at 
leisure to direct its individual force against Arnold. 

This officer marched at the head of his division along the St. 
Charles, to the first harrier on that side of the town, when he re- 
ceived a musket-ball in the leg which shattered the bone, and he 
was carried off the field. Morgan rushed forward to the battery 
at the head of his company, and received from one of the pieces, 
almost at its mouth, a discharge of grape-shot, which killed only 
one man. The barricade was instantly mounted, on which the 
battery was deserted. Morgan formed his company in the streets, 
but, being entirely ignorant of the town, thought it unadvisable to 
proceed farther until daylight should enable him to distinguish 
objects. He was soon joined by Colonel Greene, and Majors 
Bigelow and Meigs, with several fragments of companies amount- 
ing to about two hundred men. They advanced to the second 
barrier, where an obstinate conflict was maintained for some time. 
Being unable to gain it, Morgan proposed to cut their way back 
to the American camp. Uncertainty respecting the fate of the 
division led by Montgomery prevented the attempt. The number 
of the enemy soon increased so considerably that retreat became 
impossible, and the surviving Americans were made prisoners. 

In this bold attack on Quebec, the loss on the part of the garri- 
son was inconsiderable. That of the American* was about four 
hundred men, three hundred and forty of whom were prisoners. It 
fell chiefly on Arnold's division. Captain Hendricks of Pennsyl- 
vania, Lieutenant Humphries of Virginia, and Lieutenant Cooper 
of Connecticut, were among the slain. Captains Lamb and Hub- 
bard, and Lieutenants Steele and Tisdale, were among the wound- 
ed. But the loss most deplored, and most fatal to the hopes of 
the American army, was that of their gallant general. 

Relate the circumstances of the unfortunate attack upon Quebec. Whal 
was the loss of the Americans ? What distinguished commander perished 
in the assault? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 37 

Richard Montgomery was a native of Ireland, and had served 
with reputation in the late war. After its termination he settled 
in New York, and took a decided part with the colonies in their 
contest with Great Britain. His military reputation was high 
throughout America; and his achievements, while commanding 
in Canada, show the bold, skilful, and active partizan ; and, so 
far as a judgment can be formed of the capacity for conducting a 
large army from the judicious management of a small one, we 
cannot hesitate to allow him the talents of an able general. 

Congress directed a monument, expressing the circumstances of 
his death, and the gratitude of his country, to be erected to his 
memory. 

The Americans retired about three miles from Quebec, where 
they maintained the blockade. Arnold, on whom the command 
devolved, though severely wounded, and though his army, which 
never exceeded seven hundred men, ^vas at one time reduced by 
the discharge of those whose terms of seiTice had expired, to five 
hundred effectives, showed no disposition to sink under adverse 
fortune. 

While the affairs of the colonies wore this gloomy aspect in 
Canada, Congress was indulging sanguine hopes of annexing that 
province to the Union. Nine regiments were ordered to be raised 
for its defence, and General Thomas, an officer of reputation, was 
directed to take the command. The intelligence of the disaster 
of the 31st of December did not arrest these measures, or change 
these hopes. In aid of their military operations, three commis- 
sioners were deputed to Canada, with instructions to establish a 
free press, and to propagate the opinions which prevailed through 
the United Colonies. 

In March, reinforcements arrived, so as to increase the army 
to seventeen hundred men ; but this number was soon reduced by 
the small-pox, and was still further weakened, by being spread 
over a circuit of twenty-six miles, and separated by three fer- 
ries. This division was indispensable to the maintenance of the 
blockade. 

As the season of the year approached when reinforcements 
from England might be expected, Arnold determined to resume 
the siege of Quebec. His batteries were opened on the 2d of 
April ; but he had not weight of metal to make a breach in the 
wall, nor an engineer capable of directing a siege, nor artillerists 
who understood the management of the pieces. 

On the 1st of April, General Wooster had arrived; soon after 

Did Arnold persevere in his attempt against Quebec, after the repulse ? 
What efforts were made by Congress, to give efficiency to the operationi* in 
Canada ? Why was it difficult to succeed against Quebec ? 
4 



38 MARSHALL'S 

which Arnold, believing himself to be neglected, obtained leave 
of absence, and took command at Montreal. 

General Thomas reached the American camp on the first of 
May. He found an army consisting of nineteen hundred men, of 
whom less than one thousand were fit for duty. Among these 
were three hundred entitled to a discharge, who insisted on being 
immediately dismissed. This small force was so divided that not 
more than three hundred could be united at any one place. The 
magazines contained only one hundred and fifty barrels of powder, 
and provisions for six days ; nor could adequate supplies be ob- 
tained from the country, as the Canadians no longer manifested a 
disposition to serve. The river too began to open below ; and it 
was certain that the British would seize the first opportunity to re- 
lieve Quebec. 

Amidst these unpromising appearances. General Thomas thought 
the hope of taking the town chimerical, and a longer continuance 
before it both useless and dangerous. Under this impression he 
called a council of war, which unanimously determined that the 
army was not in a condition to risk an assault, and that prepara- 
tions should be made to move to a more defensible position. 
Tyi « The next day five ships entered the harbor and landed 
^ * some troops, while the Americans were employed in the 
embarkation of their sick and stores. 

About noon General Carlton made a sortie at the head of a 
thousand men, supported by six field-pieces ; and General Thomas, 
by the advice of his field officers, ordered a retreat, which was 
continued to the Sorel, where he was seized with the small-pox, of 
which he died. 

After his death reinforcements arrived which increased the army 
in June to four or five thousand men, commanded by General Sul- 
livan, who entertained hopes of recovering and maintaining the 
post at De Chambeau. 

Towards the end of May the British army was augmented to 
thirteen thousand men, great part of whom were on their way to 
the Three Rivers. A strong corps, commanded by General Frazer, 
had reached that place, and several armed vessels and transports 
full of troops lay still higher up the river. 

Before the arrival of General Sullivan, General Thompson, who 
commanded the army after the illness of General Thomas, under- 
standing that the party at the Three Rivers was inconsiderable, 
had detached Colonel St. Clair with six or seven hundred men 
against that place. St. Clair, being informed that the party was 

What was the number of the American troops before Quebec on the 1st of 
May ? What induced them to retreat from their position ? What was the 
amount of the British force at the end of May ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 39 

much stronger than had been supposed, waited at Nicolet for far- 
ther orders. When his letter reached camp, General Sullivan had 
arrived, who immediately detached General Thompson at the head 
of fourteen hundred men, with orders to attack the enemy, should 
there be a prospect of success. 

The plan was to attack the village just before day ; but the 
troops arrived an hour later than was intended, in consequence of 
which they were discovered when landing, and the alarm given. 
To avoid the fire of some ships lying in. the river, they attempted 
to pass what appeared to be a point of woods, but was in reality a 
deep morass, three miles in extent. Their detention in this morass 
gave General Frazer full time to prepare for their reception, while 
General Nesbit cut off their return to their boats. The Americans 
advanced to the charge, but were soon repulsed, and driven some 
miles through a deep swamp. General Thompson and Colonel 
Irwin, with about two hundred men, were made prisoners, and 
from twenty to thirty were killed. 

Notwithstanding his very great inferiority to his enemy. General 
Sullivan determined to defend the post at the Sorel, and was in- 
duced only by the unanimous opinion of his officers, and a con- 
viction that the troops would not support him, to abandon it a few 
hours before the British took possession of it. The same causes 
drew him reluctantly from Chamblee and St. Johns, where he 
was joined by General Arnold with the garrison of Montreal. At 
the Isle aux Noix he received the orders of General Schuyler to 
embark on the lakes for Crown Point. 

The armed vessels on the St. Lawrence and the Sorel were 
destroyed, and the fortifications of Chamblee and St. Johns set on 
fire. 

The British army, during this whole retreat, followed close in 
the rear. At Sorel, the pursuit stopped. The Americans com- 
manded the lake, and it could not be wrested from them until 
vessels of war should be constructed for the purpose. 

While General Carleton was preparing to enter the lakes. 
General Schuyler was using his utmost exertions to retain the 
command of them ; but so great was the difficulty of obtaining 
workmen and materials, that he found it impossible to equip a 
fleet which would be equal to the exigency. It consisted of fif- 
teen small vessels, the largest mounting twelve guns, carrying six 
and four pound balls. At the instance of General Washington, 
the command of this sqadron was given to General Arnold. 

With almost incredible exertions, the British General constructed 
a powerful fleet ; and afterwards dragged up the rapids of St. 

Relate the incidents of the retreat of the Americans towards their own 
territory. Why did the Britisli intermit the pursuit, upon reaching Sorel ? 
What naval preparations were made upon the Lakes ? 



40 MARSHALL'S 

Therese and St. Johns a vast number of long boats and other 
vessels, among which was a gondola weighing thirty tons. This 
immense work was completed in little more than three months ; 
and, as if by magic, General Arnold saw on Lake Champlain, 
early in October, a fleet consisting of near thirty vessels, the 
largest of which, the Inflexible, carried eighteen twelve-pounders. 
It proceeded immediately in quest of Arnold, who was advanta- 
geously posted between the island of Valicoxir and the Western 
main. Notwithstanding the disparity of force, a warm action 
ensued, which Arnold was enabled to sustain till night, by the cir- 
cumstance, that a wind unfavorable to the British kept some of 
their largest vessels at too great a distance to render any service. 

In the night Arnold attempted to escape to Ticonderoga ; but 
was overtaken the next day about noon, and brought to action a 
few leagues siiort of Crown Point. He maintained the engage- 
ment for two hours, during v/hich the vessels that were most 
ahead escaped to Ticonderoga. The galleys and five gondolas 
made a desperate resistance. At length one of them struck ; after 
which Arnold ran the remaining vessels on shore and blew them 
up, having first saved his men. 

On the approach of the British army, a small detachment 
which had occupied Crown Point, retired to Ticonderoga, which 
Schuyler determined to defend to the last extremity. 

General Carlton took possession of Crown Point, and advanced 
a part of his fleet into Lake George, within view of Ticonderoga. 
His army also approached that place ; but, after reconnoitring 
the works, he thought it too late to lay siege to the fortress. Re- 
embarking his army, he returned to Canada, where he placed it 
in winter quarters, making the Isle Aux Noix his most advanced 
post. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Transactions in Virginia.— Action at the Great Bridge.— Norfolk burnt.— Transactions 
in North Carolina.— Action at Moore's creek Bridge.— Invasion of South Carolina.— 
British fleet repulsed at fort Moultrie.— Transactions in New York.— Measures tend- 
ing to Independence.— Independence declared. 

While the war was carried on thus vigorously in the north, 
the southern colonies were not entirely unemployed. 

Lord Dunmore, the Governor of Virginia, who was joined by 
the most active of the disaffected, and by a number of slaves, had 
collected a small naval force with which he carried on a predatory 
war, and at length attempted to burn the town of Hampton. 

Who conquered, in the naval action on Lake Champlain ? What points 
were occupied by the British troops ? What movement terminated the cam- 
paign ? What occurrences, meanwhile, had taken place in Virginia ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 41 

Intelligence of this design having been obtained, preparations 
were made for his reception, and the assailants were compelled to 
retreat to their vessels with some loss. 

In consequence of this repulse, his lordship proclaimed martial 
law, summoned all persons capable of bearing arms to repair to 
the royal standard, or be considered as traitors, and offered free- 
dom to all indented servants and slaves who would join them. 

Intelligence of these transactions being received at Williams 
burg, the committee of safety ordered a regiment of regulars, an 
a battalion of minute-men, to march into the lower country for 
the defence of the inhabitants. 

Hearing of their approach. Lord Dunmore selected a position 
on the north side of Elizabeth river, at the Great Bridge, where it 
was necessary for the provincials to cross in order to reach Nor- 
folk, at which place his lordship had established himself in some 
force. Here he erected a small fort on a piece of firm ground 
surrounded by a marsh, which was accessible on either side only 
by a long causeway. Colonel Woodford encamped at the south 
end of the causeway, across which, at its termination, he erected 
a breast-work. 

After remaining in this position for a few da5^s. Lord Dunmore 
sent orders to Captain Fordyce, the commanding officer of the 
fort, to storm the breast-work. Between daybreak and sunrise on 
the morning of the 9th of December, Fordyce, at the head of 
about sixty grenadiers of the 15th regiment, who led the column, 
advanced along the causeway with fixed bayonets against the 
breast- work, which was immediately crowded with the bravest of 
the Americans, who kept up a heavy fire on the front of the Bri- 
tish column. It was also taken in flank by a party which occu- 
pied a small eminence on its right. Captain Fordyce pressed for- 
ward under this destructive fire, until he fell dead within a few 
steps of the breast-work. The column immediately broke and 
retreated, but, being covered by the artillery of the fort, was not 
pursued. 

In this rash attack, every grenadier was said to have been 
killed or wounded. The Americans did not lose a man. 

The following night the fort was evacuated. The provincials 
proceeded to Norfolk, under the command of Colonel Howe of 
North Carolina, who had arrived with his regiment afler the bat- 
tle ; and Lord Dunmore took refuge on board his vessels. 

The American soldiers were in the habit of firing into the ves- 
sels from the houses near the water. To relieve himself from this 
practice. Lord Dunmore, on the night of the first of January, 

What were the operations of Lord Dunmore, and where did he find the 
Americans in arms ? What was the result of the attack of the British upon 
the American works at the Great Bridge ? 

4* 



42 MARSHALL'S 

landed a body of troops under cover of a heavy cannonade, and 
set fire to several houses near the river. The provincials, who 
entertained strong prejudices against this station, made no attempt 
to extinguish the flames. After the fire had continued several 
weeks, and had consumed about four-fifths of the town. Colonel 
Howe, who had waited on the convention to urge the necessity of 
destroying the place, returned with orders to burn the remaining 
houses ; which were carried into immediate execution. 

Lord Dunmore continued for some time a predatory war on the 
rivers, distressing individuals, and increasing the detestation in 
which he was held. At length his wretched followers were sent 
to Florida. 

In North Carolina, an extensive settlement had been made by 
emigrants from the highlands of Scotland, who adhered to the 
royal cause. By a union between them, and the numerous disaf- 
fected on the western frontier. Governor Martin, who had taken 
refuge on board a ship of war in Cape Fear river, hoped to make 
a successful struggle for the province. His confidence was in- 
creased by the assurances he had received, that a considerable 
amount was destined for the southern colonies. 

To prepare for events, he sent commissions to the leaders of the 
highlanders, and granted one to a Mr. M'Donald, their chief, to 
act as their General. He also sent a proclamation, to be used on 
the proper occasion, commanding all persons, on their allegiance, 
to repair to the royal standard. This was raised by M'Donald ai 
Cross creek, about the middle of February, and nearly fifteen hun- 
dred men arranged themselves under it. 

Upon the first advice that the loyalists were assembling, Briga- 
dier-General Moore, with a provincial regiment and a few militia, 
took a strong position within a few miles of them. M'Donald 
sent a letter to Moore, inclosing the Governor's proclamation, and 
inviting him to join the King's standard. Moore protracted the 
negotiation in the hope that the numerous bodies of militia who 
were assembling might enable him to surround his adversary. 
M'Donald at length perceived his danger, and endeavored by 
forced marches to extricate himself from it, and to join Governor 
Martin who had been encouraged to commence active operations 
by the arrival of General Clinton in the colony. 

The provincial parties, however, were so alert that he tbund 
himself under the necessity of engaging Colonels Caswell and 
Lillington, who, with about a thousand minute-men and militia, 
were entrenched directly in his front, at Moore's Creek bridge. 
The royalists, who were compelled to cross the bridge in the face 

What was the nature of tlie warfare carried on by Lord Dunmore against 
the people of Virginia ? Relate the occurrences in North Carolina, which 
followed the attempt of Governor Martin to maintain the royal authority ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 43 

of the entrenchments occupied by the provincials, attacked with 
great spirit : but Colonel M'Clean, who commanded them in con- 
sequence of the indisposition of M'Donald, with several of their 
bravest officers, having fallen in the first onset, they fled in great 
disorder, leaving behind them their General and several of their 
leaders, who fell into the hands of the provincials. 

General Clinton remained with governor Martin until the ar- 
rival of Sir Peter Parker with several ships of war. Fortunately 
for the province, the unsuccessful insurrection of M'Donald, had 
previously broken the strength and spirits of the loyalists, and de- 
prived them of their most active chiefs. The operations which 
had been meditated against that colony were deferred, and Clinton 
determined to make an attempt on the capital of South Carolina. 

Early in April, a letter from the Secretary of State to the Gov- 
ernor of Maryland, disclosing the designs of government against 
the southern colonies, had been intercepted in the Chesapeake, and 
communicated to Mr. Rutledge the President of South Carolina. 
Thus apprized of the danger, preparations were made to meet it. 

In the beginning of June, the fleet came to anchor oflTthe harbor 
of Charleston. The bar was crossed on the 20th, and it was de- 
termined to silence a fort on Sullivan's Island. 

During the interval between passing the bar and attacking the 
fort, reinforcements were received from Virginia and North Caro- 
lina, which augmented the American army commanded by Gen- 
eral Lee, to five thousand men, one half of whom were regulars. 

The signal for the attack was given to the fleet by Sir Peter 
Parker, at half-past ten in the morning of the 28 th of June, and 
a furious cannonade was commenced on the American works, 
which was continued without intermission until it was terminated 
by night. Its effect was not such as had been anticipated. The 
fort was constructed of earth and of palmetto, a soft wood, which, 
on being struck, does not splinter, but closes on the ball. The 
fire from the fort did vast execution. The Bristol and the Expe- 
riment were nearly wrecks. The first lost one hundred and 
eleven men, and the last seventy-nine. Several officers of dis- 
tinction were killed or wounded. The Acteon frigate ran aground 
and was burnt. The loss of the Americans in killed and wounded 
was only thirty-five men. 

The British did not renew the action. In a few days the troops 
who had been landed on Long Island previous to the attack on the 
fort were re-embarked, and, on the 25th of July, the fleet sailed 
for New York. 

Great-flhd well-merited praise was bestowed on Colonel Moul- 

What circumstances of discouragement in North Carolina, induced the 
British commander to direct his efforts against Charleston ? What was the 
result of the naval attack upon fort Moultrie ? 



44 MARSHALL'S 

trie who commanded the fort, and on the garrison. The thanks 
of the United Colonies were voted by Congress to General Lee, 
Colonels Moultrie and Thompson, and the officers and men under 
their command. 

Even before the evacuation of Boston, it had been foreseen that 
New York must become the seat of war. The fortifications which 
had been commenced for the defence of its capital, and those to 
be erected in the passes through the highlands up the Hudson, 
were, after the arrival of the commander-in-chief, objects of his 
unremitting attention. 

The difficulty which had been experienced in expelling the Bri- 
tish from Boston, had determined Congress to make great exer- 
tions for the preservation of New York. The execution of this 
determination was difficult and dangerous. It required an army 
capable of meeting the enemy in the open field, and of acting 
offensively both on York and Long Islands. Congress had not 
raised such an army. The letters of the commander-in-chief, 
urging measures which might bring the whole strength of the 
colonies into operation, had not been disregarded, but many cir- 
cumstances combined to prevent such a military establishment as 
the exigency required. 

Hopes had been long cherished that the differences between "the 
mother country and her colonies might be adjusted ; and when, 
at length, a conviction that the appeal must be made to arms was 
forced on Congress, that body, unaccustomed to the arduous duties 
of conducting a war of vast extent, could not estimate rightly the 
value of the means employed, nor calculate the effect which cer- 
tain causes must produce. Opinions of the most pernicious ten- 
dency prevailed, from which they receded slowly, and from which 
they could be forced only by melancholy experience. 

The most fatal among these was the theory that an army could 
be created every campaign for the purposes of that campaign. 
They relied too confidently on being able, on any emergency, to 
call out a force equal to the occasion ,• and on the competency of 
such a force to the purposes of war. 

Under these impressions, the determination to form a permanent 
army was too long delayed ; and the measures required by the 
object were deferred until their execution had become extremely 
difficult. 

It was not until June 1776, that the representations of the 
commander-in-chief could obtain a resolution directing soldiers to 
be enlisted for three years, and offering a bounty of ten dollars 
for each recruit. The time when this resolution would "certainly 

For what reason were the Americans anxious to preserve New York? 
What great error lessened the efRciency of the American arms, in the early 
period of the contest ? 



I 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 45 



have accomplished its purpose had passed away. The regiments 
voted by Congress were incomplete ; and that bounty which, if 
offered in time, would have effected its object, came too late to fill 
them. 

The American army was not only inferior to its adversary m 
numbers, but was deficient in arms, ammunition, tents, and clothes. 
Yet both the government and commander-in-chief were determined 
to defend New York. Congress passed a resolution to reinforce 
the army with thirteen thousand eight hundred militia; and to 
form a flying camp on the Jersey shore, to consist of ten thou- 
sand militia, to be furnished by Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Ma- 
ryland. They were to serve till the first of December, and the 
commander-in-chief was also authorized to require such additional 
temporary aids as circumstances might make necessary. 

Great and embarrassing as were the difficulties already noticed, 
they were augmented by the disaffection of the city of New York, 
and of the adjacent islands. Governor Tryon, who had taken 
refuge on board some ships lying in the harbor, had been permit- 
ted to continue an open intercourse with the inhabitants. This 
intercourse was broken off upon the arrival of the commander- 
in-chief; yet a plot was formed through the agency of the 
Mayor, to rise in favor of the British on their landing, and to 
seize and deliver up General Washington himself It extended to 
the American army, and even to the General's guards. It was 
fortunately discovered in time to be defeated, and some of the per- 
sons concerned were executed. About the same time, the plan of 
an insurrection was discovered in the neighborhood of Albany ; 
and there, too, executions were deemed necessary. 

Although the original and single object of the war on the part 
of the colonies was a redress of grievances, the progress of public 
opinion towards independence, though slow, was certain; and 
measures were necessarily adopted which tended to that object. 
Among the first of these was the establishment of temporary go- 
vernments in place of that revolutionary system which followed 
the suspension of the pre-existent institutions. Still, the most 
anxious desire to re-establish the union between the two countries 
on its ancient principles was openly and generally declared. How 
ever sincere these declarations might have been in the commence 
ment, the operation of hostilities was infallible. To profess alle 
giance and attachment to a monarch with whom they were at open 
war, was an absurdity too great to be of long continuance. The 
prejudices in favor of a connexion with England and of the English 
constitution, gradually but rapidly yielded to republican principles, 

What military measures were ordered by Congress ? Mention the trea- 
sonable attempts against the American cause. What was the consequence 
of the existing hostilities, as to its bearing on national independence ? 



46 MARSHALL'S 

and to a desire of independence. New strength was every day 
added to the opinions that a cordial reconcihation had become im- 
possible ; that reciprocal jealousy, suspicion, and hate, would take 
the place of that affection which could alone render such a con- 
nexion beneficial; that even the commercial dependence of Ame- 
rica on Great Britain was greatly injurious to the former; and that 
the government of a distant nation or sovereign, unacquainted with 
and unmindful of their interests, would, even if replaced in their 
former situation, be an evil too great to be voluntarily borne. But, 
victory alone could restore them to that situation ; and victory 
would give independence. The hazard was the same ; and since 
the risk of everything was inevitable, the most valuable object 
ought to be the reward of success. 

It was also urged with great effect, that the probability of ob- 
taining foreign aid would be much increased by holding out the 
dismemberment of the British empire to rivals of that nation, as an 
inducement to engage in the contest. 

American independence became the common theme of conver- 
sation ; and, as it became more and more the general wish, the 
proceedings of Congress took their complexion from the temper of 
the people. 

At length a measure was adopted which was considered gene- 
rally as deciding the question. The affairs of the several pro- 
vinces had hitherto been conducted by temporary institutions ; but 
on the 6th of May, a resolution was offered recommending the 
adoption of governments adequate to the exigency, to such colonies 
as had not already established them. This resolution was referred 
to Mr. John Adams, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. Richard Henry Lee, 
all zealous advocates for independence, whose report in favor of 
the measure was adopted on the 15th of May. 

The provincial conventions acted on this recommendation, and 
governments were generally established. Some hesitation was at 
first discovered in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York ; but 
public opinion was in favor of it, and finally prevailed. In Con- 
necticut and Rhode Island, the executive as well as legislature 
had been elected by the people, and in those colonies no change 
had been thought necessary. 

The several colonies now exhibited the novel spectacle of ma- 
tured and enlightened societies devising political systems of self- 
government. 

The institutions received from England were admirably calcu- 
lated to lay the foundation for temperate and rational republics. 

Mention the reasons which influenced the public mind in deciding upon a 
eeparation from Great Britain. What resolution was adopted in Congress, 
indicating the great change tliat now seemed probable ? Did the several 
states coincide with the views of the general Congress ? 



■ 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 47 

The materials in possession of the people, as well as their habits 
of thinking, were adapted only to governments in all respects re- 
presentative ; and such governments were universally adopted. 

The provincial assemblies, under the influence of Congress, took 
up the question of independence ; and many declared themselves 
in favor of an immediate and total separation from Great Britain. 

On the 7th of June a resolution to that effect was moved by 
Richard Henry Lee, and seconded by John Adams. It was re- 
ferred to a committee, who reported it in the following terms : 
" Resolved, that these United States are, and of right ought to be, 
free and independent states ; and that all political connexion be- 
tween them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, to- 
tally dissolved." 

This resolution was debated on Saturday the 8th and Monday 
the 10th of June ; when, it appearing that some of the states werq 
not yet matured for the measure, the question was adjourned to 
the 1st of July. In the mean time a committee* was appointed to 
draw the declaration of independence, which was reported on the 
28th of June, and laid on the table. On the 1st of July the debate 
on the original resolution was resumed. The question was put 
on the evening of that day, and carried in the affirmative. The 
report of the committee was postponed till the next day, when it 
was agreed to. Congress then proceeded to consider the declara- 
tion of independence, which, afler some amendments, was ap- 
proved and signed. 

This declaration was immediately communicated to the armies, 
who received it with enthusiasm. It was also proclaimed through- 
out the United States, and was generally approved by those who 
had opposed the claims of the British Parliament. Some few in- 
dividuals who had been zealous supporters of measures having for 
their object a redress of grievances, relinquished with regret their 
connexion with Great Britain. It was also an unfortunate truth, 
that in the country between New England and the Potomac, which 
wf^s now to become the great theatre of action, a formidable mi- 
nority existed who were opposed to the revolution. 

* Mr Jefferson, Mr. John Adams, Mr. Franklin, and Mr. R. R. Livingston. Mr. 
R. li. Lee, the mover of the resohition, had been compelled by the illness of Mrs. 
Lee to leave Congress, the day on which the committee was appointed. 

Did the provincial assemblies respond to the action of Congress ? Men^ 
tion the important resolution that was now passed by this latter body. Was 
this decision of Congress approved by the armies and the people? What 
was that untoward fact, which had a retarding influence on the efforts of 
American patriots ? 



48 MARSHALL'S 



CHAPTER V. 

Lord and Sir William Howe arrive before New York.— Circular letter of Lord Howe.— 
State of the American army.— The British land on Ijong Island.— Battle of Brook- 
lyn.— Fruitless negotiations.— New York evacuated.— Skirmish on the heights of 
Haarlem. 

While Congress was deliberating in Philadelphia on the great 
question of independence, the British fleet appeared before New 
York. 

On evacuating Boston, General Howe had retired to Halifax, 
from which place he sailed for New York in June. In the latter 
end of that month, he arrived off Sandy Hook ; and on the 3d and 
4th of July his troops were landed on Staten Island. They were 
received with great demonstrations of joy by the inhabitants, who 
took the oaths of allegiance to the British crown, and embodied 
themselves for the defence of the island. Strong assurances were 
also given by the inhabitants of Long Island, and the neighboring 
parts of New Jersey, of the favorable disposition of a great pro- 
portion of the people to the royal cause. 

The command of the fleet had been conferred on Lord Howe, 
the brother of the general ; and they were both commissioners for 
restoring peace to the colonies. He arrived at Staten Island on 
the 12th of July. 

Lord Howe was not deterred by the declaration of independence 
from trying the influence of his powers for pacification. He sent 
on shore a circular letter, dated off the coast of Massachusetts, ad- 
dressed severally to the late governors under the crown, inclosing 
a declaration which he requested them to make public. It an- 
nounced his authority to grant pardons, and to declare any colony, 
town, port, or place, in the peace, and under the protection of the 
King. Assurances were also given that the meritorious services 
of all persons who would aid in restoring tranquillity in the colo- 
nies would be duly considered. 

These papers were immediately transmitted by the commander- 
in-chief, to Congress, who directed their publication, "that the 
good people of the United States might be informed of what na- 
ture were the Commissioners, and what the terms, with the ex- 
pectation of which the insidious court of Britain had sought to 
amuse and disarm them." 

About the same time, General Howe addressed, by a flag, a 
letter to " George Washington, Esquire," which the General re- 
fused to receive, " as it did not acknowledge the public character 

Mention the naval and military movements near New York. What was 
the nature of the propositions for pacification addressed to the Americans by 
liord Howe and his brother ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 49 

with which he was invested." In a resolution approving this pro- 
ceeding, Congress directed " that no letter or message whatever 
be received by the commander-in-chief, or others, the commanders 
of the American army, but such as shall be directed to them in 
the characters they respectively sustain." 

To evade the preliminary difficulty which the unwillingness of 
the commissioners to recognize the existing powers in America, 
opposed to any discussion of the terms they were authorized to 
propose, Colonel Patteson, Adjutant- General of the British army, 
was sent on shore by General Howe, with a letter directed to 
" George Washington," &c. &c. &c. He was introduced to the 
Genera], whom he addressed by the title of " Excellency ;" and, 
after the usual compliments, opened the subject of his mission by 
saying that General Howe much regretted the difficulties which 
had arisen respecting the address of the letters ; that the mode 
adopted was deemed consistent with propriety, and was founded 
on precedent in cases of ambassadors and plenipotentiaries, where 
disputes or difficulties had arisen about rank ; that Lord and Gene- 
ral Howe did not mean to derogate from his rank, or the respect 
due to him, and that they held his person and character in the 
highest esteem ; but that the direction with the addition of " &c. 
&;c. &c." implied every thing that ought to follow. Colonel Pat- 
teson then produced a letter which he said was the same that had 
been previously sent, and which he laid on the table. 

The General declined receiving it. He said that a letter ad- 
dressed to a person in a public character, should have some de- 
scription or indication of that character ; otherwise it would be 
considered as a mere private letter. It was true the et-ceteras im- 
plied every thing, and they also implied any thing ; and that he 
should absolutely decline any letter relating to his public station, 
directed to him as a private person. 

Colonel Patteson then said that General Howe would not urge 
his delicacy farther, and repeated the assertion that no failure of 
respect was intended. 

After some conversation relative to the treatment of prisoners, 
Colonel Patteson said that the goodness and benevolence of the 
King had induced him to appoint Lord Howe and General Howe^ 
his commissioners to accommodate the unhappy dispute at present 
subsisting ; that they had great powers, and would derive much 
pleasure from effecting the accommodation ; and that he wished 
this visit to be considered as the first advance towards so desirable 
an object. 

General Washington replied that he was not vested with any 

Name the British officer who conferred with the American commander- 
in-chief. State the substance of the conversation on this occasion, and men- 
tion the result of the interview. 
5 



50 MARSHALL'S 

powers on this subject ; but he would observe that, so far as he 
could judge from what had yet transpired, Lord Howe and Gene- 
ral Howe were only empowered to grant pardon ; that those who 
had committed no fault' wanted no pardon; and that the Ameri- 
cans were only defending what they deemed their indubitable 
rights. This, Colonel Pattcson said, would open a very wide field 
for argument ; and, after expressing his fears that an adherence 
to forms might obstruct business of the greatest moment and con- 
cern, took his leave. 

The reinforcements expected from Europe, of whom about four 
hundred and fifty were captured on their passage by the Ameri- 
can cruisers, were now chiefly arrived ; and the British army was 
estimated at twenty-four thousand men. 

To this army, aided in its operations by a numerous fleet, was 
opposed a force unstable in its nature, incapable from its structure 
of receiving discipline, and inferior to its enemy in numbers, in 
arms, and in every military equipment. It consisted, when Gene- 
ral Howe landed on Staten Island, of ten thousand men, much 
enfeebled by sickness. At the instance of General Washington, 
a few regiments stationed in the dilferent states were ordered to 
join him ; and the neighboring militia were called into service. 
Yet in a letter dated the 8th of August, he stated that his army 
consisted of only seventeen thousand, two hundred and twenty- 
five men, of whom three thousand, six hundred and sixty-eight 
were sick. This force was rendered the more inadequate to its 
objects by being necessarily divided for the defence of posts, some 
of which were fifteen miles distant from others, with navigable 
waters between them. 

" Under every disadvantage," continued the letter, " my utmost 
exertions shall be employed to bring about the great end we have 
in view ; and, so far as I can judge from the professions and ap- 
parent dispositions of my troops, I shall have their support." 

The army was soon afterwards reinforced by three regiments 
of regulars, and by militia, which augmented it to twenty-seven 
thousand men, of whom one-fourth were sick. A part of it was 
stationed at Brooklyn, on Long Island, under General Sullivan. 

Believing that the effect of the first battle would be consider- 
able, the commander-in-chief employed every expedient which 
might act upon that enthusiastic love of liberty, that indignation 
against the invaders of their country, and that native courage, 
which were believed to animate the bosoms of his soldiers, and 
were relied on as substitutes for discipline and experience. The 
orders of the day contain the most animating exhortations to both 

After the British reinforcements arrived, what was the strength of the 
royal forces in America ? Mention the numbers and condition of the Ameri- 
can army. How did their commander endeavor to animate them ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 51 

officers and soldiers ; recommending to the officers, coolness in 
time of action, and to the soldiers, strict attention and obedience, 
with becoming spirit. He directed explicitly that any soldier who 
should attempt to conceal himself, or retreat without orders, should 
instantly be shot ; and solemnly promised to notice and reward 
those who should distinguish themselves. Thus did he, by in- 
fusing into every bosom those sentiments which would stimulate 
to the greatest individual exertion, endeavor to compensate for the 
want of arms, of discipline, and of numbers. 

Early in the morning of the 22 d of August, the principal part 
of the British army, under the command of General Clinton, 
landed on Long Island, under cover of the guns of the fleet, and 
extended from the ferry at the Narrows, through Utrecht and 
Gravesend, to the village at Flatbush. A large division, com- 
manded by General Clinton, turned short to the right and ap- 
proached Flatland. General Sullivan had been strongly rein- 
forced as soon as the movements of the British fleet indicated an 
intention to make the first attack at this point. On the 25th, Ma- 
jor-General Putnam, with a reinforcement of six regiments, was 
directed to take command at Brooklj'^n, and was charged most 
earnestly by the commander-in-chief, to be in constant readiness 
for an attack, and to guard the woods between the two camps with 
his best troops. General Washington passed the 26th at Brook- 
lyn, making arrangements for the expected engagement, and 
returned at night to New York. 

The two armies were separated from each other by a range of 
hills covered with thick woods, which extended from east to west 
nearly the length of the island, and across which were three dil^ 
ferent roads leading directly to Brooklyn ferry. The British cen- 
tre at Flatbush was distant scarcely four miles from the American 
lines, and a direct road led across the heights from one to the 
other. Another road, more circuitous than the first, led from 
Flatbush and entered the road leading from Jamaica to Bedford, a 
small village on the Brooklyn side of the hills ; and a third, lead- 
ing from the Narrows along the coast by the way of Gowan's 
Cove, afforded the most direct route to their left. 

The direct road from Flatbush to Brooklyn was defended by a 
fort in the hills ; and the coast and Bedford roads were guarded 
by detachments posted on the hills within view of the British 
camp. Light parties of volunteers were directed to patrol on the 
road leading from Jamaica to Bedford ; about two miles fi'om 
which, near Flatbush, Colonel Miles, of Pennsylvania, was sta- 
tioned with a regiment of riflemen. The Convention of New 

On what day did tlie royal troops debark on Long- Island ? Mention the 
preparations of the Americans, and describe the position of the two opposing 



52 MARSHALL'S 

York had ordered General Wood hull, with the militia of Long 
Island, to take post on the high grounds, as near the enemy as 
possible. 

About nine at night. General Clinton drew off the right of the 
British army in order to seize a pass in the heights three miles 
east of Bedford, on the Jamaica road. About two in the morning 
of the 27th, his patrols fell in with and captured one of the Ame- 
rican parties directed to watch this road. Learning from his pri- 
soners that the pass was unoccupied, he immediately seized it ; 
and, on the appearance of day, the whole column passed the 
heights, and appeared in the level country between tliem and 
Brooklyn. 

Before Clinton had secured the passes on the road leading from 
Jamaica, General Grant, in order to draw the attention of the 
Americans from their left, advanced slowly along the coast, at the 
head of the British left wing, supported by ten pieces of cannon, 
skirmishing as he advanced with the light parties stationed on that 
road. These were reinforced by Putnam ; and, about three in 
the morning, Brigadier- General Lord Sterling was detached to 
that point, with the two nearest regiments. Major-General Sulli- 
van, who commanded all the troops without the lines, advanced 
about the same time at the head of a strong detachment, on the 
road leading to Flat Bush ; while another detachment occupied 
the heights still farther to his left. 

About break of day. Lord Sterling reached the summit of the 
hills, where he was joined by the troops which had been already 
engaged, soon after which the enemy appeared in sight. A warm 
cannonade commenced, and some sharp but not very close skir- 
mishing took place between parties of infantry. Lord Sterling 
was content with defending the pass ; and General Grant did not 
wish to drive him from it until that part of the plan which had 
been entrusted to Sir Henry Clinton should be executed. 

In the centre. General De Heister, soon after daybreak, began 
a cannonade on the troops under Sullivan. In the mean time, in 
order the more effectually to draw off" the attention of the Ameri- 
cans from the point at which tlie general attack was to be made, 
the fleet was put in motion, and a heavy cannonade was com- 
menced on the battery at Red Hook. 

Aug 27 -^bout half-past eight, the British right having then 
°* * reached Bedford in the rear of Sullivan's left. Gen- 
eral de Heister ordered Colonel Donop's corps to attack the hills, 
following himself with the centre of the army. The approach of 
Clinton was now discovered by the American left, which immedi- ' 

What unguarded pass was seized by the invaders ? Mention the various 
movements which followed, until the two armies engaged in battle, on the 
morning of the 27th. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 63 

ately endeavored to regain the camp at Brooklyn. While retiring 
from the woods by regiments, they encountered the front of the 
British. About the same time the Hessians advanced from Flat 
Bush against that part of the army which occupied the direct road 
to Brooklyn, where General Sullivan commanded in person. The 
firing heard towards Bedford had disclosed to these troops the 
alarming fact that the British had turned their left flank, and were 
getting completely into their rear. They sought to escape the 
danger by regaining the camp with the utmost celerity. The 
sudden rout of this party enabled De Heister to detach a part of 
his force against those who were engaged near Bedford. In that 
quarter, too, the Americans were broken and driven back into the 
woods ; and the front of the column, led by General Clinton, in- 
tercepted those who were retreating along the direct road from 
Flat Bush. Thus attacked both in front and rear, driven alter^ 
nately by the British on the Hessians, and by the Hessians back 
on the British, a succession of skirmishes took place in the woods, 
in the course of which some parts of corps forced their way 
through the enemy, and regained the lines of Brooklyn ; but the 
greater part of the detachment was killed or taken. 

The fire towards Brooklyn gave the first intimation to the Ame- 
rican right that the enemy had gained their rear. Lord Sterling 
immediately directed the main body of his troops to retreat across 
the creek ; and, to secure this movement, determined to attack in 
person a British corps commanded by Lord Cornwallis, stationed 
rather above the place at which he intended to cross. The attack 
was made with great spirit ; but the force in front increasing, and 
General Grant advancing in his rear, his lordship, and the survi- 
vors of this gallant corps, were made prisoners of war. This 
attempt, though unsuccessful, enabled a great part of the detach 
ment to cross the creek and save themselves in Brooklyn. 

The loss sustained by the American army in this battle was es- 
timated by General Washington at one thousand men ; but in this 
estimate he must have included only his regular troops. In the 
letter of General Howe, the number of prisoners is stated at one 
thousand and ninety-seven, among whom were Major-General Sul- 
livan, and Brigadiers Lord Sterling and WcodhuU. He computes 
the total loss at three thousand three hundred. He states his own 
loss at twenty-one officers, and three hundred and forty-six pri- 
vates, killed, wounded, and taken. 

As the action became warm, the commander-in-chief passed 
over to the camp at Brooklyn, where he saw with inexpressible 
anguish, the destruction in which liis best troops were involved, 

Describe the progress of the battle, and mention its result. What were 
the two differing statements of the American loss ? What was the loss of 
the British army ? 

5* 



54 MARSHALL'S 

without the ability to extricate them. An attempt to save them 
by sallying from his entrenchments, and attacking the enemy, 
would put the camp in imminent danger, and expose that whole 
division of the army to ruin. His efforts, therefore^ were neces- 
sarily directed to the preservation of those that remained. 

General Howe did not think it advisable to risk an immediate 
assault on the American lines. He encamped in front of them ; 
and, the night of the 28th, broke ground in form, within six hun- 
dred yards of a redoubt on the left. 

In this perilous state of things, General Washington determined 
to withdraw from Long Island. This difficult movement was 
effected on the night of the 28th, so silently, that all the troops 
and military stores were carried over in safety. Early next 
morning, the British out-posts perceived the rear-guard crossing 
the East river, out of reach of their fire. The manner in which 
this critical operation was executed, added greatly to the reputa- 
tion of General Washington in the opinion of all military men. 

The resolution to defend Long Island was so hazardous in itself, 
and so disastrous in its consequences, that it has been condemned 
by many as a great error in the commander-in-chief. But the 
event will not always determine the wisdom of a measure. It is 
necessary to consider the previous state of things ; and to com- 
pare the value of the object, and the means of securing it, with 
the hazards attending the attempt. 

It was very desirable to defend New York, or to waste the cam- 
paign in a struggle for that important place. The difficulty of 
effecting either of these objects would be incalculably increased 
by abandoing Long Island to the enemy. It was, therefore, to be 
maintained if possible. 

The impossibility of maintaining it, was not evident until the 
battle had been fought. It is true that the American force on the 
island could not have been rendered equal to that of the British ; 
but with the advantages of the defensible country through which 
the assailants were to pass, and of a fortified camp assailable only 
on one side, hopes might be entertained without the imputation of 
rashness, of maintaining the position for a considerable time, and 
of selling it ultimately at a high price. This opinion is supported 
by the fact that, even after the victory of the 27th, General Howe 
was unwiUing to hazard an assault on the works, and chose rather 
to carry them by regular approaches. 

With more appearance of reason the General has been cen- 
sured for not having guarded the road which leads from Jamaica 
to Bedford. 

Did General Washington maintain liis position at Brooklyn? What 
opinion was expressed by some persons respecting the defence of Long 
Island ? What is to be observed upon that subject ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 65 

The written instructions given to the officer commanding on 
Long Island, directed that the woods should be well guarded, and 
the approach of the enemy through them be rendered as difficult 
as possible. But his numbers were not sufficient to furnish de- 
tachments for all the defiles through the mountains ; and if a corps 
sufficient for defending that pass had been posted on the Jamaica 
road, and a leint had been made on it, while the principal attack 
was by the direct road leading from Flat Bush, or that along the 
coast, the events of the day would probably have been equally 
disastrous. The column marching directly from Flat Bush would 
probably have been in possession of the plain in rear of the de- 
tachment posted on the road from Jamaica, so as to intercept its 
retreat to the camp. So great is the advantage of those who at- 
tack, in being able to select the point against v/hich to direct their 
grand effort. 

The most advisable plan then appears to have been to watch the 
motions of the enemy, to oppose with a competent force, every 
attempt to seize the heights, and to guard all the passes in such a 
manner as to receive notice of his approach through any one of 
them, in sufficient time to recall the troops maintaining the others. 

This plan was adopted : — and the heavy disasters of the day 
are attributable chiefly to the failure of those charged with the 
execution of that very important part of it which related to the 
Jamaica road. 

The events of this day disclosed a radical defect in the struc- 
ture of the American army. It did not contain a single troop of 
cavalry. Had the General been furnished with a few light-horse, 
merely to serve as videts, it is probable that the movement so de- 
cisive of the fate of the day, would not have been made unnotic- 
ed. The troops on the lines do not appear to have observed the 
column which was withdrawn on the evening of the 26th, from 
Flat Bush, to Flatland. 

Whatever causes might have led to this defeat, it gave a gloomy 
aspect to the affairs of America. Heretofore, her soldiers had 
manifested a great degree of intrepidity. A confidence in them- 
selves, a persuasion of superiority over the enemy, arising from 
the goodness of their cause, and their habitual use of fire-arms, had 
been carefully encouraged. This sentiment had been nourished by 
experience. When they found themselves, by a course of evo- 
lutions in which they imagined they perceived a great superiority 
of military skill, encircled with unexpected dangers from which 
no exertions could extricate them, their confidence in themselves 
and in their leaders was greatly diminished, and the approach of 

Would the result of this action have been materially different, had other 
plans been adopted by the American General ? Mention its general influ- 
ence on American affairs. 



56 MARSHALL^ 

the enemy mspircv. :" ;^ : : .aisonio >:ra:ajrcm w^is con- 

cealed from wiiich :., Y^^no ihem. The impres- 

sion made OD the '. wiih cor- ^ me- 

diately injurious. G -anny; :es 

almost by whole iv^-ii-c-icj^ :~ i-^iiiy., uc^^ a: ;i ::ii:o. 

Tlie dist uso inade by Lorvi Ho^if* : ^^y, iras lo avail 

himself of the impression it a- opening a ne- 

gotiatioQ with Congre;^. F^ . rr^l Siillivau \ras 

seat OD paiole to Philad^khia, wiiii a \ct I . the import 

of idiidi was, that tbcwgfa he could no: at y - r ^^ ith Con- 

as a po&kal body, he was veiy dcsinxis :: a con- 

widi some of its membejR: :h;.:. in u with 

Geasal Howe, he had Ml powers to v dispute be- 

tineen Great Biitain and Amejica,on :.:.-- . _ _:ous to both; 
and willed a compact might be settled when no decisive blow was 
sciuck, and neither party could allege being compelled to enter 
inao an amazement ; that in casae Congress were deposed to treat, 
many things which they had not yei asked, might, and ought to 
be gianted diem ; and that, il' upon the comeiv^ce, they found 
any probable gnoond of accomukodation, the authority of Congress 
most be afierwardb acknowiedhged — otherwise the compact would 
not be oomplelB. 

This pn^posatkn was not without its embanassmoits. Congress 
dreaded the edects of an opinion, that the restoiatioii of the an- 
cient connexion on furincqiies foimeiiy deemed constitatioDal, was 
piac rica b le ; and was at the same time unwilling to ent» into a 
u^olHitiQn, iriiich mi^t excite a sospickin, that &e d^enmnatibD 
to maintain independence was not immovable. 

Hie aBSwer §iv«i threii^ Gen»al Sullivan wns, ^ that Con- 
giess, b»ii^ die representatives of the free and independent states 
of Amenca, cannot with piopnety send any of iis members to 
oonl^ widi bis kiidshi^ in thor private characters : iHit th?.r. ever 
desBrous of establishiiig peace on reasonable terms, they will send 
a fwmiHirt i i', of dieir bothr, lo know whedier he has any authonnr 
to tieat wi& posoos authooaed by Coi^ress iat that purpose, on 
behalf of America; and what that aitthority is ; and to hear such 
pn^nsitioBs as he shall think propK* to make respecting the some.'^ 

Mr. Fiaiddin, Mr. John Adanns, and Mr. Edward Rutiedge. ail 
sB|ipoit»s of independence, were appc4nied to receive the 
erf" Lofd fiowip. 

They waifeed on his locdship, and on their return reported tlKit 



After his xietorj tm Loa^ IdsBd, vhat vas the matare of the csmaMmi- 
oCiaa eu a^^ijw ! by Lori Howe to the Ametkaji CaBgress ? What vere 
tke^reaaans vUch iiSoeaeed tkat body, m deatfiav npaa the proper ansver 



I 



LIFE OF WASHIXGTOy. 57 



he had received them, on the 11th of September on Staten Island 
with great politeness. 

. He opened the conversation by saying, that though he could 
not treat with them as a committee of Congress, yet as his powers 
enabled him to consult with any private gentlemen of influence on 
the means of restoring peace, he was glad of this opportunity of 
conferring with them on that subject, if they thought themselves 
at liberty to enter into a conference with him in that character. 
The committee obser\-ed that, as their business was to hear, his 
lordship might consider them in what light he pleased, and com- 
municate any propositions he might be authorized to make ; but 
that they could consider themselves in no other character, than 
that in which they were placed by Congress. His lordship then 
proceeded to open his ^-iews at some length. A return to their 
allegiance tojthe British cro%\"n was the condition on which peace 
was offered. He gave assurances of a good disposition in the 
King and his ministers, to make the government easy to them ; 
and intimated that, in case of submission, the offensive acts of Par- 
liament would be revised, and the instructions to the Governors 
reconsidered. 

The committee gave it as their opinion, that a return to ihe 
domination of Great Britain was not now to be expected. They 
mentioned the repeated humble petitions which had been treated 
with contempt, and answered only by additional injuries ; the un- 
exampled patience which had been sho\^-n under their tyrannical 
government ; and that it was not until the late Act of Parhament, 
which denounced war against them, and put them out of the 
King's protection, that they declared their independence. All now 
considered themselves as independent states, and it was not in the 
power of Congress to agree for them that they should return to 
their former dependent state. There was no doubt of their incli- 
nation tor peace, and of their willingness to enter into a treaty 
with Britain that might be advantageous to both countries. If the 
same good disposition existed on the part of Britain, his lordship 
might obtain powers for that purpose, much sooner than powers 
could be obtained from the several colonies to consent to sub- 
mission. 

His lordship expressed his regret that no accommodation was 
ikely to take place, and put an end to the conference. 

These fruitless negotiations produced no suspension of hostili- 
ties. 

The British army, posted from Bedford to Hurlgate, fronted and 
tnreatened York island from its southern extremity to the part op- 

In his conference with a committee of Congress, what views did Lord 
Howe express in reference to the dispute between the two countries ? What 
Waa the reply of the gentlemen composing the committee ? 



58 MARSHALL'S 

posite to the northern boundary of Long Island, a small distance 
below the heights of Haarlem, comprehending a space of nine 
miles. 

The two armies were divided only by the East river, which is 
generally less than a mile wide. 

Immediately after the victory at Brooklyn, dispositions were 
made by the enemy to gain possession of New York. The move- 
ments of the fleet indicated an intention to land near Kingsbridge 
and take a position which would cut off the communication of th( 
American army with the country. 

Aware of his danger, General Washington began to remove 
such stores as were not immediately necessary, and called a council 
of general officers to determine whether New York should be im- 
mediately evacuated. His own opinion appears to have been in 
favor of immediate evacuation ; but the majority of the council 
was opposed to it. In the hope of defending the place till the cam- 
paign should be too far wasted to admit of further operations, the 
advice they gave was that the army should be formed into three 
divisions ; one to remain in New York ; the second to be stationed 
at Kingsbridge ; and the third to occupy a camp in the intermediate 
space, so as to support either extreme. 

This opinion was soon changed. The movements of the British 
general indicated clearly an intention either to break their line of 
communication, or to inclose the whole army in York island. A 
second council determined, by a large majority, that it had become 
absolutely necessary to withdraw the army from New York. 

In consequence of this determination, Brigadier-General Mercer, 
who commanded the flying camp on the Jersey shores, was di- 
rected to move up the North river to the post opposite fort Wash- 
ington ; and every effort was made to expedite the removal of the 
stores. 

On the morning of the 15th of September, three ships of war 
sailed up the river as far as Bloomingdale ; a movement which 
stopped the removal of the stores by water. About eleven o'clock 
on the same day, Sir Henry Clinton, with a division of four thou- 
sand men, who had embarked at the head of New Town bay, un- 
perceived by tlie troops on York island, proceeded througli that 
bay into the East river, which he crossed ; and, under cover of 
the fire of five men-of-war, landed at Kipp's bay, about three miles 
above New York. 

The works thrown up at this place were capable of being de- 
fended for some time ; but the troops abandoned them, and fled 
with precipitation. On the commencement of the cannonade, 

What appeared to be the intention of the Briti&h, after their occupation of 
Long Island ? Mention the movements of each army, when this plan was 
entered upon. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 59 

General Washington ordered the brigades of Parsons and Fellows 
to their support, and rode in person towards the scene of action* 
The panic of those who had fled from the works was communi- 
cated to the troops who had been ordered to sustain them, and the 
commander-in-chief had the extreme mortification to meet the 
whole party retreating in the utmost disorder, regardless of the 
efforts made by their generals to stop their disgraceful flight. The 
only part now to be taken was to secure the posts on the heights, 
and to withdraw the ikw troops still remaining in New York. In 
the retreat from the town, a small skirmish took place at Bloom- 
ingdale, in which an inconsiderable loss of men was sustained ; 
but all the heavy artillery, and a large portion of the baggage, 
provision, and military stores, were unavoidably abandoned. 

The British army, after taking possession of New York, en- 
camped near the American lines. Its right was at Hoven's hook, 
near the East river, and its left reached the North river, near 
Bloomingdale. Both flanks were covered by ships of war. 

The strongest point of the American lines was at Kingsbridge. 
M'Gowan's Pass and Morris's Heights were also occupied in con- 
siderable force. A strong detachment was posted in an entrenched 
camp, on the heights of Haarlem, within about a mile and a half 
of the British lines. 

The present position of the armies favored the views of the 
American general. He wished to habituate his soldiers, by a series 
of skirmishes, to meet the enemy in the field ; and he persuaded 
himself that his detachments, knowing a strong entrenched camp 
to be immediately in their rear, would' engage without apprehen- 
sion, would display their native courage, and would soon regain 
the confidence they had lost. 

Opportunities to make the experiments he wished were soon 
afforded. The day after the retreat from New York, the British 
appeared in considerable force in the plain between the two camps ; 
and the general rode to his advanced posts in order to make such 
arrangements as this movement might require. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Knowlton, of Connecticut, who, at the head of a corps of rangers, 
had been skirmishing with this party, soon came in and stated their 
numbers at about three hundred. 

The general ordered Colonel Knowlton with his rangers, and 
Major Leitch, with three companies of the third Virginia regiment, 
which had joined the army the preceding day, to gain their rear, 
while he amused them with the appearance of making dispositions 
to attack their front. 

This plan succeeded. The British ran eagerly down a hill, in 

In their abandonment of New York, what loss was sustained by the Ame- 
ricans ? What was the relative position of the two armies, after that event ? 
Why was this situation desirable to the American general ? 



60 MARSHALL'S 

order to take possession of some fences and bushes which presented 
an advantageous position, and a firing commenced, but at too great 
a distance to do much execution. In the mean time, Colonel 
Knowlton, not being precisely acquainted with their new position, 
made his attack rather on their flank than rear ; and a warm ac- 
tion ensued. 

In a short time Major Leitch, who led the detachment, was 
brought off the ground mortally wounded, having received three 
balls through his body ; and soon afterwards the gallant Knowlton 
also fell. Not discouraged by the loss of their field-officers, the 
Captains continued the action with great animation. Both parties 
were reinforced. The Americans drove the enemy out of a wood 
into the plain, and were pressing him still farther, when the Gene- 
ral, content with the present advantage, called back his troops into 
their entrenchments. 

In this sharp encounter, the British loss was double that of the 
Americans ; but its real importance was its operation on the spirits 
of the army. To give it the more effect, the parole the next day 
was Leitch ; and the General, in his orders, publicly thanked the 
troops under the command of that officer, who had first advanced 
on the enemy, and the others who had so resolutely supported 
them ; contrasting, at the same time, their conduct with that which 
had been exhibited the day before. He appointed a successor to 
the gallant and brave Colonel Knowlton, " who would," he said, 
" have been an honor to any country." 



CHAPTER VI. 

The British land at Frogsneck.— York Island, except fort Washington, evacuated.— 
Battle of the White Plains.— General Howe returns to Kingsbridge.— General Wash- 
ington crosses the North river.— Fort Washington surrenders. —Fort Lee evacuated.— 
Weaknessof the American army.— Ineffectual attempts to raise the militia.— Retreat 
through Jersey.— Capture of General Lee.— General Washington crosses the Dela- 
ware.— The British go into winter quarters.— Battle of Trenton.— Princeton.— Firm- 
ness of Congress. 

The armies did not long retain their position on York Island. 
General Howe determined to gain the rear of the American camp 
by the New England road, and also to possess himself of the Hud- 
son above Kingsbridge. Having ascertained the practicability of 
passing the forts on the North river, he embarked a great part of 
his army in flat-bottomed boats on the East river, and, passing 
through Hurlgate into the Sound, landed on the 1 2th of October at 
Frogsneck, about nine miles from the camp on the heights of Haar- 

Relate the particulars of a skirmish that now took place between the royal 
troops and the Americans. What project was now undertaken by General ^ 
Howe ? '» 



I 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 61 



lem, where he remained some days waiting for his artillery, mili- 
tary stores, and reinforcements from Staten Island, whicl were de- 
tained by contrary winds. 

General Washington strengthened the fort at Kingsbridge, de- 
tached some regiments to West Chester for the purpose of skir- 
mishing with the enemy should the occasion offer, and submitted 
the propriety of changing his ground to a board of general officers. 
The necessity of moving out of the island was too apparent nol 
to be advised ; but it was also determined to hold fort Washington, 
and to defend it as long as possible. A resolution of Congress o^ 
the llth of October, desiring General Washington to obstruct if 
possible the navigation of the river, had great influence in pro- 
ducing this determination. 

Measures were immediately taken for moving the army up the 
river, so as to extend its front, or left, beyond the British right. 
The rear division commanded by General Lee remained a few 
days longer at Kingsbridge, to secure and bring up the heavy 
baggage and military stores. 

On the 18th of October, General Howe moved through Pel- 
ham's Manor, and took post at New Rochelle, a village on the 
Sound. The American army occupied the heights between that 
place and the North river. 

A corps of American loyalists, commanded by Major Rogers, 
lay east of the main army, and was supposed to be covered by 
It. A bold attempt to surprise him in the night and to bear off 
his whole corps, by passing between him and the British camp, 
was made by an American detachment commanded by Major 
Green of Virginia. Major Rogers was surprised, and about sixty 
of his regiment were killed and taken. The loss of the Ameri- 
cans was inconsiderable, but among the wounded was Major 
Green, who received a ball in his shoulder which disabled him 
through life. 

Not long afterwards a regiment of Pennsylvania riflemen under 
Colonel Hand, engaged an equal number of Hessian chasseurs, 
with some advantage. 

These evidences of enterprise on the part of his adversary 
served to increase the caution of the British General. He waited 
a few days at New Rochelle, for a division commanded by Knyp- 
hausen. After its arrival, both armies, the Brunx dividing them, 
moved towards the White Plains, a strong piece of ground already 
occupied by a detachment of militia. 

General Washington took possession of the heights at White 
Plains, on the east side of the Brunx, seven or eight miles in 

Relate the particulars of the several skirmishes that now took place. 
What was the consequence of this display of confidence and courage on 
the part of the Americans ? 
6 



(52 MARSHALL'S 

front of the British column. This stream meandered so as, to 
cover the front as well as the flank of his right wing, which ex- 
tended along the road leading towards New Rochelle, as far as 
the brow of the hill where his centre was posted. His left, which 
formed almost a right angle with his centre, and was nearly 
parallel to his right, extended along the hills northward, so as to 
keep possession of the commanding ground, and secure a retreat 
to a still stronger position in his rear. 

General M'Dougal with about sixteen hundred men, chiefly 
militia, occupied a hill, on the west side of the Brunx, about a 
mile from the right wing, for the purpose of covering the right 
flank. His communication with the main body was open, the 
river being fordable. Entrenchments were thrown up to strengthen 
the lines. 

O t Q^i General Howe having determined to attack Washing- 
ton in his camp, advanced in two columns, the right 
commanded by Sir Henry Clinton, and the left by General Knyp- 
hausen ; and, about ten, his van appeared in full view. His right 
formed behind a hill about a mile in front of the American centre. 

After viewing Washington's situation, Howe, who accompanied 
Knyphausen, determined to commence the action by carrying the 
hill occupied by M'Dougal ; and directed Colonel Rawle with a 
brigade of Hessians, to make a circuit so as to turn M'Dougal's 
right flank, while Brigadier- General Leslie with a strong corps of 
British and Hessian troops should attack him in front. When 
Rawle had gained his position, Leslie also crossed the Brunx and 
attacked with great animation. The militia instantly fled; but 
the regulars maintained their ground with great gallantry. Colonel 
Smallwood's regiment of Maryland, and Colonel Reitzimer's of 
New York, advanced boldly towards the foot of the hill to meet 
Leslie ; but, after a sharp encounter, were compelled to retreat. 
The remaining troops were soon driven from the hill, but still 
kept up an irregular fire from the stone walls near the scene of 
action. General Putnam, with Real's brigade, was ordered to sup- 
port them ; but, the hill being lost, the attempt to regain it was 
deemed unadvisable. The American loss, in this spirited action, 
was between three and four hundred in killed, wounded, and miss- 
ing. General Smallwood was among the wounded. 

A considerable part of the day having been exhausted in gain- 
ing the hill, Howe suspended further operations till the next morn- 
ing ; and the British army lay on their arms through the night in 
order of battle. 

This interval was employed by General Washington in removing 

How were the Americans posted at White Plains, and what did General 
Howe resolve to do ? State the circumstances of the action which now 
took place. 



I 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 63 



his sick and baggage, and adapting the arrangement of his troops 
to existing circumstances. His right was drawn back to stronger 
ground. Perceiving this, Howe resolved to postpone forther offen- 
sive operations until Lord Percy should come up with the rear 
division of the army. This reinforcement was received on the 
evening of the thirtieth ; but a violent rain which fell that night 
and the succeeding day still farther postponed the meditated assault. 

Having now removed his sick, provisions, and heavy baggage 
to stronger ground, General Washington retired, in the night oi 
the first of November, to the heights of North Castle, about five 
miles from the White Plains. General Howe thought this posi- 
tion too strong to be attempted with prudence, and determined to 
change his plan of operation. 

The American garrisons in forts Lee and Washington imposed 
a check on his movements, and rendered York Island insecure. 
As preliminary to an attack on these forts, he directed Knyphausen 
to take possession of Kingsbridge, w^hich was defended by fort 
Independence. On his approach, the small garrison retired to 
fort Washington, and Knyphausen encamped between that place 
and Kingsbridge. 

In the mean time General Howe retired slowly down the North 
river. General Washington penetrated his design, and prepared 
as far as was in his power to counteract it. His letter to Con- 
gress communicating his movements, states his conviction that 
his adversary was not about to close the campaign, but would im- 
mediately invest fort Washington, and make a descent into Jersey. 
A council of war determined unanimously that the troops raised 
on the west of the Hudson should cross that river immediately, 
and be soon afterwards followed by those from the eastern part 
of the continent, except three thousand men who were to remain 
for the defence of the Highlands. A letter was also addressed to 
the Governor of New Jersey, stating the probable invasion of 
that State, and urging the necessity of putting the militia in the 
best possible condition to reinforce his army, and to replace the 
new levies which were engaged only to the first of December- 
Immediate information of this movement was also transmitted to 
General Greene, v/ho commanded in the Jerseys ; and his atten- 
tion was particularly pointed to fort Washington. 

As the British army approached Kingsbridge, three ships of 
war passed up the Hudson, notwithstanding the additional obstruc- 
tions placed in the channel, uninjured by the fire from the forts. 
This demonstration of the inefiicacy of those obstructions justified, 
in the opinion of General Washington, the evacuation of those 

When Washington retired to the lieights of North Castle, what two forts- 
did General Howe resolve to attack ? What measures were taken by the 
Americans when they became aware of the design of the British commander ? 



G4 MARSHALL'S 

forts. " If," said he, in his letter to General Greene, " we cannot pre- 
vent vessels from passing up, and the enemy are possessed of the 
surrounding country, what valuable purpose can it answer to hold 
a post from which the expected benefit cannot be derived ? I am 
therefore inclined to think it will not be prudent to hazard the men 
and stores at Mount Washington. But as you are on the spot, I 
leave it to you to give such orders respecting the evacuation of the 
place as you may think most advisable ; and so far revoke the or- 
ders given to Colonel Magaw to defend it to the last." 

General Washington crossed the North river on the 13th of 
November, in the rear of the troops destined to act in the Jerseys, 
and proceeded to the quarters of General Greene, near fort Lee. 

Mount Washington is a high piece of rocky ground, very diffi- 
cult of ascent, especially towards the north. The lines and out- 
works, which were chiefly on the southern side, were drawn quite 
across the island. The fortifications were believed to be capable 
of resisting any attempt to carry them by storm ; and the garri- 
son, which consisted of about two thousand regulars and a few 
militia, was commanded by Colonel Magaw, a brave and intelli- 
gent officer. 

General Howe, having made the necessary preparations for an 
assault, summoned the garrison to surrender on the 15th of No- 
vember. Colonel M'Gaw replied, that he should defend the place 
to the last extremity, and communicated the summons to General 
Greene at fort Lee, who transmitted it to the commander-in-chief, 
then at Hackensac. He immediately rode to fort Lee, and, though 
late in the night, was proceeding to fort Washington, when, in 
crossing the river, he met Generals Putnam and Greene returning 
from a visit to that fort. They reported that the garrison was in 
high spirits, and would make a good defence ; on which he re- 
turned with them to fort Lee. 

Early next morning. Colonel M'Gaw prepared for the expected 
assault. Colonel Rawlings, of Maryland, commanded a party 
posted on a hill towards Kingsbridge ; and Colonel Cadwallader 
of Pennsylvania, commanded a body of troops who were posted 
in the outermost of the lines drawn across the island, and between 
the lines, on the rocky and precipitous heights fronting Haarlem 
river. 

lyr , ^ About ten, the assailants appeared before the works 
* and moved to the assault in four different quarters. The 
first division consisting of about five thousand Germans, com- 
manded by General Knyphausen advanced against the hill occu 
pied by Colonel Rawlings. The second, on the east, was led by 

Did Washington now cross the river to New Jersey ? Describe the Ame- 
rican works at fort Washington ? Wliat preparations were made for tlieir 
defence ? What was the order of attack ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 65 

General Matthews, supported by Lord Cornwallis. These troops 
crossed Haarlem river in boats under cover of their artillery, 
and landed vvithin the outer line which crossed the island. The 
third, conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel Stirling, crossed the river 
higher up ; and the fourth, led by Lord Percy, accompanied by 
General Howe, assaulted the lines in front on the south side. 

The attacks on the north and south were made at the same in- 
stant. While Colonel Cadwallader was engaged in the first Hue 
against Lord Percy, the second and third divisions crossed Haar- 
lem river, made good their landing, and dispersed the troops front- 
ing that river, as well as a detachment sent by Colonel Cadwalla- 
der to support them. As the British advanced between the fort 
and the lines, they were necessarily abandoned. In retreating to 
the fort, some of the troops were intercepted by the division under 
Colonel Stirling, and made prisoners. 

The resistance on the north was of longer duration. After an 
obstinate conflict, the Germans gained the summit of the hill ; and 
Rawlings, perceiving the danger which threatened his rear, re- 
treated to the fort. 

The summons to surrender was now repeated; and it being 
thought impracticable to defend the place, the garrison became 
prisoners of war. 

The loss on this occasion was the greatest the Americans had 
ever sustained. That of the assailants, according to Mr. Sted- 
man, amounted to eight hundred men. It fell chiefly on the Ger- 
mans. 

The determination to evacuate fort Lee was the consequence of 
the surrender of fort Washington, and a removal of the stores was 
immediately commenced. Before this operation could be com- 
pleted, Lord Cornwallis with about six thousand men crossed the 
river, and endeavoured to enclose the garrison between the north 
and Hackensac rivers. A retreat from that narrow neck of land 
was effected, with the loss of the heavy cannon and military stores. 

After crossing the Hackensac, General Washington posted his 
troops along its western bank, but was unable to dispute its pas- 
sage. At the head of about three thousand effectives, he was in a 
level country, with the Passaic in his rear, which unites with the 
Hackensac, a small distance below the ground he occupied. 

This gloomy state of things was not brightened by the prospect 
before him. No confidence could be placed on receiving rein- 
forcements from any quarter. But in no situation could Vl^ash- 
ington despond. Understanding that Ticonderoga was no longer 
threatened, he directed General Schuyler to hasten the troops of 

Describe the attack upon fort Washington. What was the result ? After 
they lost this post, what position was held by the American troops in New 
Jersey ? What was tlie prospect of American affairs at this juncture ? 



66 MARSHALL'S 

Pennsylvania and Jersey to his assistance, and ordered General 
Lee to cross the North river and be in readiness to join him. But 
under the same fatal cause which had acted elsewhere, their armies 
were melting away, and would soon be almost totally dissolved. 
General Mercer, who commanded part of the flying-camp sta- 
tioned about Bergen, was also called in ; but these troops who had 
engaged to serve only till the first of December, had already 
abandoned the army in great numbers. No hope existed of re- 
taining them after they should be entitled to a discharge ; and 
there was not much probability of supplying their places with 
other militia. To New England he looked with anxious hope ; 
and his requisitions on those states received prompt attention. Six 
thousand militia from Massachusetts, and a considerable body from 
Connecticut, were ordered to his assistance ; but some delay in as- 
sembling them was unavoidable, and their march was arrested by 
the appearance of danger in their immediate neighborhood. Three 
thousand men commanded by Sir Henry Clinton took possession, 
late in November, of Newport in Rhode Island. 

Not intending to maintain his present position. General Wash- 
ington crossed the Passaic and took post at Newark. Having 
now entered the open country, his purpose was to halt a few days, 
and endeavor to collect such a force as would keep up the sem- 
blance of an army. General Mifflin was deputed to the govern- 
ment of Pennsylvania, and Colonel Reid, his Adjutant-General, 
to that of New Jersey, with orders to represent the real situation 
of the army, and the certainty that, without great reinforcements 
the state of New Jersey would be overrun, and Philadelphia be 
lost. General Lee was at the same time pressed to hasten his 
march, and cautioned to keep high enough up the country to 
avoid the enemy. 

This perilous state of things was rendered still more critical by 
indications of an insurrection in the county of Monmouth, in New 
Jersey. In other places, too, an indisposition to further resistance 
was manifested. These appearances obliged him to make detach- 
ments from the militia of his army, to overawe the disaffected of 
Monmouth, who were on the point of assembling in force. 

As the British army crossed the Passaic, General Washington 
retreated to Brunswick. At this place, the levies drawn from 
•pj ^ Maryland and Jersey, to compose the flying camp, be- 

^ ' * came entitled to their discharge ; and no remonstrances 
could detain them. The Pennsylvanians were engaged to serve 
till the first of January. So many of them deserted, that guards 
were placed on the roads and ferries over the Delaware, to appre- 

Whence did General Washington expect to get reinforcements ? What 
prevented aid from New England ? What adverse circumstance occurred in 
New Jersey ? Whither did Washington now retire ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON 67 

hend and send them back to camp. The next day, the van of the 
British army appeared in sight, and General Washington retreated 
to Trenton. Directions had already been given to collect all the 
boats from Philadelphia for seventy miles np that river, in the 
hope that the progress of the enemy might he arrested until the 
arrival of reinforcements, which would enable him to dispute its 
passage. 

The army which was thus pressed slowly through the Jerseys, 
at no time, during the retreat, exceeded four thousand men. On 
reaching the Delaware, it was reduced to less than three thousand ; 
of whom not quite one thousand were militia of New Jersey. The 
regulars were badly armed, worse clad, and almost destitute of 
tents, blankets, or utensils for dressing their food. 

In this crisis of American affairs, a proclamation was issued by 
Lord and General Howe, commanding all persons assembled in 
arms against his majesty's government, to disband, and return to 
their homes ; and offering pardon to every person who should, 
within sixty days, appear before certain officers of the crown, and 
testify his obedience to the laws, by subscribing a declaration of 
his submission to the royal authority. Numbers flocked in daily 
to make their peace, and obtain protection. 

Among the many valuable traits in the character of Washing- 
ton, was that unyielding firmness which supported him under 
these accumulated circumstances of depression. Undismayed by 
the dangers which surrounded him, he did not for an instant re- 
lax his exertions, nor omit any thing which could retard the pro- 
gress of the enemy. He did not appear to despair ; and constantly 
showed himself to his harassed and enfeebled army, with a serene 
unembarrassed countenance, betraying no fears in himself, and 
inspiring others with confidence. To this unconquerable firmness 
— to this perfect self-possession under the most desperate circum- 
stances, is America, in a great degree, indebted for her indepen- 
dence. 

The exertions of General Mifflin to raise the militia of Penn- 
sylvania, were successful in Philadelphia. A large pioportion of 
the inhabitants of this city had associated for the general defence ; 
and on this occasion, fifteen hundred of them marched to Trenton. 
A German battalion was also ordered to that place by Congress. 
On the arrival of these troops, General Washington moved towards 
Princeton ; but was stopped by intelligence that Lord Cornwallis, 
having received large reinforcements, was advancing rapidly from 
Brunswick by different routes, and endeavoring to gain his rear. 
He immediately crossed the Delaware, and placed his army in 

What was the number of the American troops, as they retreated through 
New Jersey ? What British proclamation was issued ? What was the con- 
duct of Washington in this dispiriting condition of affairs ? 



68 MARSHALL'S 

such a manner as to guard its fords. As his rear passed tho 
river, the British van appeared in sight. 

From Bordentown, the course of the river turns westward, 
making an acute angle with its course from Philadelphia to that 
place ; so that a British division might cross a considerable dis- 
tance above Trenton, and be almost as near Philadelphia as the 
troops opposite to that place. Lord Cornwallis made dispositions 
to cross both above and below. The American army was so ar- 
ranged as to counteract this design. 

The commander-in-chief had ordered General Gates, with the 
regulars of the northern army, and General Heath, with those at 
Peekskill, to march to his assistance. 

Although General Lee had been repeatedly urged to join him, 
that officer proceeded reluctantly in the execution of his orders, 
manifesting a strong disposition to retain his separate command, 
and rather to threaten the rear of the British army, than to 
strengthen that in its front. On the 12th of December, while 
passing slowly through Morris county, he was surprised in his 
quarters, about three miles from his army, by a detachment of 
cavalry, commanded by Colonel Harcourt, and was carried off in 
triumph. 

General Sullivan, on whom the command devolved, obeyed 
promptly the orders which had been given to Lee, and, crossing 
the Delaware at Philipsburg, joined the commander-in-chief. On 
the same day, General Gates arrived with a few northern troops. 
By these and other reinforcements, the army was augmented to 
about seven thousand effective men. 

All the attempts of the British General to get possession of boats 
for the transportation of his army over the Delaware having failed, 
he gave indications of an intention to close the campaign, and to 
retire into winter quarters. About four thousand men were can- 
toned on the Delaware, at Trenton, Bordentown, the White 
Horse, and Mount Holly ; and the residue of the army of Jersey 
was distributed from that river to the Hackensac. Strong corps 
were posted at Princeton, Brunswick, and Elizabeth Town. Gene- 
ral Howe hoped, by covering so large a portion of Jersey, to in- 
timidate the people, and to impede the recruiting service. To 
counteract these views, three regiments from Peeksldll were or- 
dered to halt at Morristown, and to unite with the Jersey militia 
assembled at that place un-der Colonel Ford. General Maxwell 
was sent to take command of these troops. 

The short interval between this cantonment of the British troops 
and the recommencement of active operations, was employed by 

Did Genera] Lee comply with the orders of Washington ? How was Lee 
captured ? Did his successor reinforce Wasliiugtou ? How were the enemy 
distributed in New Jersey ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 61> 

General Washington in repeating the representations he had so 
often made to Congress respecting preparations for the ensuing 
campaign. 

The present aspect of American affairs was gloomy in the ex- 
treme. The existing army, except about fifteen hundred men, 
would dissolve in a few days. New Jersey had, in a great mea- 
sure, submitted ; and the militia of Pennsylvania had not displayed 
the alacrity expected from them. General Howe would most 
probably avail himself of the ice, which would soon be formed, 
and of the dissolution of the American army, to seize Philadelphia. 
It was feared, and with reason, that this event would deter the 
American youth from engaging in a service which was becoming 
hopeless. 

To extricate the affairs of America from this desperate situa- 
tion, General Washington formed the daring plan of attacking all 
the British posts on the Delaware at the same instant. If success- 
ful in all or any of these attacks, he hoped to relieve Philadelphia 
from immediate danger — to compel his adversary to compress 
himself, so as no longer to cover Jersey, and above all, to restore 
public confidence. 

The positions taken to guard the river, were equally well adapt- 
ed to offensive operations. It was intended to cross, in the night 
of the 25th of December, at M'Konkey's ferry, about nine miles 
above Trenton, and to march down in two divisions, by the river 
and Pennington roads, the first of which enters the western part 
of the town, and the last towards the north. This part of the 
plan was to be executed by the General in person, at the head of 
about two thousand four hundred continental troops. It was 
thought practicable to pass the river by twelve, and to reach the 
point of destination by five in the morning. General Irvine was 
directed to cross at the Trenton ferry, and to secure the bridge 
below the town. General Cadwallader was to cross over at 
Dunks' ferry, and to secure the post at Mount Holly. 

The cold, on the night of the 25th, was intense. Snow, min- 
gled with hail and rain, fell in great quantities, and so much ice 
was made in the river, that the division commanded by the Gene- 
ral in person could not effect its passage till three, nor commence 
its march till near four. As the distance to Trenton, by either 
road, is nearly the same, orders were given to attack at the in- 
stant of arrival, and, after driving in the outposts, to follow them 
rapidly into town, and prevent the main body from forming. 

General Washington accompanied the upper column ; and, ar- 
riving at the outpost on that road precisely at eight o'clock, drove 

Mention the decisive movement by which Washington hoped to encourage 
his army and the people. What were the preparations made in consequence? 
What was the state of the weather ? 



70 MARSHALL'S 

it in, and followed it with such ardor that its attempts to make a 
stand were unavailing. In three minutes, the fire of those who 
had taken the river road was heard. Colonel Rawlc, who com- 
manded in the town, paraded his men, and met the assailants. He 
fell in the commencement of the action, and his troops, in apparent 
confjsion, attempted to gain the road to Princeton. General 
V/ashington threw a detachment into their front, and advanced ra 
pidly on them in person. Finding themselves surrounded, an 
their artillery already seized, they laid down their arms and sur 
rendered themselves prisoners of war. About twenty of the enemy 
were killed, and about one thousand made prisoners. The Ame- 
rican loss was two privates killed, two frozen to death, and three 
or four wounded. One officer. Lieutenant Monroe, was wounded. 

The ice rendered it impracticable for General Irvine to execute 
that part of the plan which devolved on him, and about five hun- 
dred men, stationed in the lower end of Trenton, crossed the bridge, 
early in the action, and escaped down the river. The same cause 
prevented General Cadwallader from attacking the post at Mount 
Holly. With great difficulty a part of his infantry passed the 
river, but returned on its being found impossible to cross with the 
artillery. 

General Washington, thinking it unadvisable to hazard the loss 
of the very important advantage already gained, by attempting to 
increase it, recrossed the river with his prisoners and military 
stores. 

Nothing could surpass the astonishment of the British com- 
mander at this unexpected display of vigor on the part of the Ame- 
rican General. His condition, and that of his country, had been 
thought desperate. He had been deserted by every man having a 
right to leave him, and two-thirds of the continental troops still re- 
maining with him would be entitled to a discharge on the first of 
January. The spirits of the people were sunk to the lowest point 
of depression. New Jersey appeared to he subdued, and the best 
judges of the public sentiment thought that immense numbers in 
Pennsylvania also would not permit the sixtj^ days allowed in the 
[iroclamation of Lord and Sir William Howe to elapse, without 
availing themselves of the pardon it proffered. Instead of offensive 
operations, the total dispersion of the small remnant of the Ameri- 
can army was confidently anticipated. 

Finding that he was contending with an adversary who could 
never cease to be formidable, and that the conquest of America was 
more distant than had been supposed. General Howe determined, 
in the depth of winter, to recommence active operations ; and Lord 

What was the result of the attack ? Were Generals Irvine and Cadwal- 
lader able to execute their part of the plan ? What was the salutary effect 
of Washington's victory upon the mind of the enemy ? 






LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 71 

Cornwallis, who had retired to New York, with the intention of 
embarking for Europe, returned to the Jerseys in great force for 
the purpose of recovering the ground which had been lost. 

General Washington, finding himself, by a reinforcement of 
Pennsylvania militia, at the head of a force with which it seemed 
practicable to act on the offensive, determined to employ the winter 
in endeavoring to recover Jersey. 

H* directed Generals Heath and Maxwell to approach the Bri- 
tish coiiionments, while he again crossed the Delaware with his 
continental troops, and took post at Trenton. The regulars of 
New England were entitled to a discharge on the last day of De- 
cember. With, great difficulty, and a bounty of ten dollars, many 
of them were induced to renew their engagements for six weeks. 

The British w^ere now collected in force at Princeton, y 
under Lord Cornwallis. His Lordship ad.vanced on the ,^-, ' 
morning of the 2d of January ; and, about four o'clock in ' 
the afternoon, his van reached Trenton. On its approach. General 
Washington retired across Assumpinck creek, which runs through 
the town. The British attempted to cross the creek at several 
places ; but finding all the fords guarded, they desisted from the 
attempt, and kindled their fires. The Americans kindled their 
fires likewise, and a cannonade was kept up till dark. 

The situation of General Washington was once more extremely 
critical. A few days of mild foggy weather had sofiened the ice 
in the Delaware, and rendered its passage very difficult. In his 
present situation, he would certainly be attacked early in the morn- 
ing by an overwhelming force, which must render his destruction 
inevitable. 

In this embarrassing state of things, he formed the bold design 
of abandoning the Delaware, and marching by a circuitous route 
along the left flank of the British army, into its rear at Princeton ; 
and, afi;er beating the troops at that place, to move rapidly on 
Brunswick, where the baggage and principal magazines of the 
British army lay under a weak guard. 

This plan being approved by a council of war, preparations 
were made for its immediate execution. The baggage v/as removed 
to Burlington ; and about one o'clock in the morning the army de- 
camped silently, and took a circuitous road to Princeton, where 
three British regiments had encamped the preceding night, two of 
which commenced their march early in the morning to join the 
rear of their army. At sunrise, after proceeding about two miles, 
they saw the Americans on their left; and, immediately facing 
about, advanced upon their van, which was conducted by General 

Relate tlie progress of the winter campaign in New Jersey ? By what 
str-itegy did Washington disappoint the enemy at Trenton, and strike at a 
di^tiiii, Jetachincnt? W^is he successful in this design? 



72 MARSHALL'S 

Mercer. A sharp action ensued, which was not of long duration. 
General Mercer was mortally wounded, and the van was routed. 
But the fortune of the day was soon changed. The main body, 
led by General Washington in person, followed close in the rear 
and attacked with great spirit. The British in turn were compelled 
to give way. The two regiments were separated. Colonel Mawhood, 
who commanded that in front, retired to the main road, and con- 
tinued his march. The fifly-fiilh regiment, which was on tllfe left, 
being hard pressed, fled in confusion across the fields into a back 
road leading towards Brunswick. General Washington pressed 
forward to Princeton. The regiment remaining in that place took 
possession of the college, and made a show of resistance, but some 
pieces of artillery being brought up to play upon that building, it 
was abandoned, and the greater part of them became prisoners. 

In this engagement, the British lost rather more than one hun- 
dred killed, and near three hundred prisoners. The loss of the 
Americans in killed was somewhat less ; but in their number was 
included General Mercer, Colonels Haslet and Potter, Captains 
Neal and Fleming, and five other valuable officers. 

On perceiving that the American army had decamped in the 
night. Lord Corn wal lis marched with the utmost expedition to the 
protection of Brunswick, and was close in the rear of the Ameri- 
cans before they could leave Princeton. 

The situation of General Washington was again perilous in the 
extreme. His small army was exhausted with fatigue, without 
blankets, and many of them barefooted. He was closely pursued 
by a superior enemy, who must necessarily come up with him be- 
fore he could accomplish his designs on Brunswick. Under these 
circumstances, he abandoned the remaining part of his original 
plan, and took the road leading up the country to Pluckamin, where 
his troops took some refreshment. Lord Cornwallis continued his 
march to Brunswick ; and General Washington, finding it imprac- 
ticable to continue offensive operations, retired to Morristown, in 
order to put his men under cover, and give them some repose. 

The bold, judicious, and unexpected attacks made at Trenton 
and Princeton had a much more extensive influence on American 
affairs than would be supposed from a mere estimate of the killed 
and taken. They saved Philadelphia for the winter ; recovered 
the state of Jersey ; and, which was of still more importance, re- 
vived the drooping spirits of the people, and gave a perceptible im- 
pulse to the recruiting service throughout the United States. 

The firmness of Congress through the gloomy period which in- 
tervened between the loss of fort Washington and the battle of 

Afler his success at Princeton, what induced Washington to forego tlie 
attack upon Brunswick ? Wliither did he retire ? Mention the influence 
of his bold achievements upon the minds of his countrymen. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 73 

Princeton, give the members of that time a just claim to the admi- 
ration of the world and to the gratitude of their fellow-citizens. 
Undismayed by impending dangers, they did not, for an instant, 
admit the idea of surrendering the independence they had declared, 
and purchasing peace by returning to their colonial situation. 



CHAPTER VII. 

American army inoculated.— State of the army.— Destruction of stores at Peekskill-- 
at Danbury.— Expedition to Sagg Harbor.— Camp formed at Middle Brook.— British 
move out to Somerset Court-House.— Return to Amboy.— Attempt to cut off the re- 
treat of the American army at Middle Brook.— Lord Cornwallis skirmishes with 
Lord Sterling.— General Prescot surprised and taken.— The British army embarks. 

J The effect of the proclamation published by Lord and 

f?l General Howe, on taking possession of Jersey, was in a 
great degree counteracted by the conduct of the invad- 
ing army. The hope that security was attainable by submission 
was soon dissipated. The inhabitants were treated rather as con- 
quered rebels than returning friends. Whatever may have been 
the exertions of the General to restrain his soldiers, they indulged 
in every species of licentiousness. The loyalists as well as those 
who had been active in the American cause, were the victims of 
this indiscriminating spirit of rapine and violence. A sense of 
personal wrongs produced a temper which national considerations 
had been too weak to excite ; and, when the battles of Trenton 
and Princeton relieved the people from the fears inspired by the pre- 
sence of their invaders, the great body of the people flew to arms. 
Small parties of militia scoured the country, and were collecting 
in such numbers as to threaten the weaker British posts with the 
fate which had befallen Trenton and Princeton. 

To guard against this spirit, the British General found it expe- 
dient to abandon the positions taken for the purpose of recovering 
the coimtry, and to confine himself to New Brunswick and Amboy. 

The militia and volunteers who came in aid of the small rem- 
nant of continental troops, enabled General Washington to take 
different positions near the lines of the enemy, to harass him per- 
petually, restrain his foraging parties, and produce considerable 
distress in his camp. 

In the midst of these operations, he came to the hazardous re- 
solution of freeing himself and his troops from the fear of a cala- 
mity which had proved more fatal than the sword of the enemy. 

The small-pox had found its way into both the northern and 

Mention the circumstances which counteracted the effect of the British 
proclamation in New Jersey. What was the consequence, and where did 
the British commander now concentrate his force ? 

7 



74 MARSHALL'S 

middle army, and had impaired the strength of both to an alarm- 
ing degree. To avoid the return of this evil, the General deter- 
mined to inoculate all the soldiers in the American service. This 
determination was carried into execution, and an arm)^, exempt 
from the fear of a calamity which had, at all times, endangered 
the most important operations, was prepared for the next cam- 
paign. The example was followed through the country, and this 
alarming disease ceased to be the terror of America. 

As the British army was divided between New Jersey, New 
York, and Rhode Island, General Washington cherished hopea 
of being enabled to strike a decisive blow against some one of its 
divisions during the winter. The state sovereignties, which pos- 
sessed all the real energies of government, were incessantly 
urged to fill their regiments and to bring their quotas into the 
field ; but the inherent defects of the American system rendered 
it impracticable to collect a force competent to those vigorous 
operations which had been anticipated. Some of the State As- 
semblies did not even complete the appointment of officers till the 
spring. After these arrangements were made, the difficulty of 
enlisting men was unexpectedly great. The immense hardships 
to which the naked soldiers had been exposed ; the mortality re- 
sulting from those hardships, and probably from an injudicious 
arrangement of the hospital department which proved to be the 
tomb of the sick, had excited extensive disgust to the service, and 
a consequent unwillingness to engage in it. A letter of the 4th 
,of March, addressed to Congress, states that the whole effective 
force in Jersey fit for duty, was less than three thousand, of 
whom not quite one thousand were regulars. Still a war of 
skirmishes was kept up through the winter. The British forag- 
ing parties were often attacked to advantage; and these small suc- 
cesses, magnified by the press into victories, served to increase 
the confidence of the American soldiers in themselves, and to 
animate the people. Hopes were even entertained that, from the 
scarcity of forage, neither the British cavalry nor draft horses 
would be fit for service when the campaign should open. 

As the season for active operations approached, fresh difficul- 
ties, growing out of the organization of the American system, dis- 
closed themselves. Every state being exposed to invasion, the 
attention of each was directed to itself. The spirit incident to 
every league was displayed in repeated attempts to give to the 
military force such various directions as would leave it unable tp 
effect any great object, or to obstruct any one plan the enemy 
might form. The patriotism of the day, however, and the unex- 

What was done to free the American troops from the small-pox ? Men- 
tion the difficulties which impeded the effective organization of tlie Ameri- 
can army. What was the sort of warfare now carried on ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 75 

ampled confidence placed in the commander-in-chief, prevented 
the mischiefs this spirit is well calculated to generate. His re- 
presentations made their proper impression, and the intention of 
retaining continental troops for local defence was reluctantly 
abandoned. The plan of raising additional regular corps, to be 
exclusively under state authority, was substituted for the yeo- 
manry of the country, as a more effectual and convenient mode 
of protecting the coasts from insult. 

During the winter. General Howe kept his troops in their quar 
ters. As the season for active operations approached, his first 
attention was directed to the destruction of the scanty supplies 
prepared by the Americans for the ensuing campaign. Peekskill 
on the Hudson, about fifty miles above New York, was generally 
the residence of the commander in the Highlands, and was used 
as a place of deposit for stores to be distributed into the neighbor 
ing posts. 

Colonel Bird was detached up the river against this place. eX 
the head of five hundred men, under convoy of a frigate and 
some smaller vessels. After completely destroying the maga- 
zines and barracks, he returned to New York. 

An expedition was also projected against Danbury, a village on 
the western frontier of Connecticut, in which military stores to a 
considerable amount had been deposited. Governor Tryon, Ma- 
jor- General of the provinces in the British service, assisted by 
Brigadiers Agnew and Sir Wilham Irskine, proceeded on this en- 
terprise at the head of two thousand men. 

On the 25th of April, the troops landed between Fairfield and 
Norwalk, and reached Danbury about two the next day. The 
village, with the. magazines it contained, were consumed by fire, 
and early in the morning of the succeeding day, Tryon com- 
menced his line of march towards his ships. The militia, how- 
ever, had been alarmed, and assembled in considerable bodies to 
obstruct his retreat. General Wooster, who had resigned his 
commission in the continental army, and been appointed Major- 
General of the militia, fell into his rear with about three hundred 
men, while Arnold and Sullivan, then casually in Connecticut, 
gained his front at Ridgefield. Wooster attacked his rear with 
great gallantry, about eleven in the morning, but his troops were 
repulsed, and he was himself mortally wounded. Tryon pro- 
ceeded on his march to Ridgefield, where he found Arnold already 
entrenched on a strong piece of ground. A warm skirmish en- 
sued which continued nearly an hour, when Arnold was driven 
from the field. At break of day next morning, afler setting fire 

What plan was now adopted as preferable for defending the coast against 
British depredation ? Mention the various expeditions by which the enemy 
endeavored to destroy the military stores and provisions of the Americans. 



"76 MARSHALL'S 

to Ridgefield, the British resumed their line of march. About 
eleven in the forenoon they were again met by Arnold whose num- 
bers were increased to a thousand men, among whom were some 
continental soldiers. A continued skirmishing was kept up till five 
in the afternoon, when the British formed on a hill near their ships. 
The Americans attacked with great intrepidity, but were repulsed ; 
and Try on, availing himself of this respite, re-cmbarkcd his troops 
and returned to New York. 

The loss of the British amounted to one hundred and seventy 
men. That of the Americans was stated at one hundred ; but 
among these was General Wooster : lieutenant-Colonel Gould, 
and another field-officer, killed ; and Colonel Lamb wounded. 

This enterprise was not long afterwards successfully retaliated. 
The British had collected a considerable quantity of provisions 
and forage at Sagg Harbor, on the eastern end of Long Island. 
Believing this place to be completely secured by the vessels that 
were continually traversing the Sound, General Howe had confided 
its protection to a schooner carrying twelve guns, and a company 
of infantry. 

General Parsons, who commanded a few recruits at New Ha- 
ven, formed the design of surprising this party, which was en- 
trusted to Lieutenant-Colonel Meigs. He crossed the Sound with 
one hundred and seventy men under convoy of two armed sloops, 
and landed near Southhold, whence the boats were conveyed 
across the land, about fifteen miles, into a bay where the troops 
re-embarked. Crossing the bay, they landed at two in the morn- 
ing, four miles from Sagg Harbor, which place was completely 
surprised, and carried with charged bayonets. At the same time 
another division of the detachment secured the armed schooner, 
which, with the stores, were consumed by fire. 

The object of his expedition being effected without the loss of a 
man, Colonel Meigs returned with his prisoners, " having tran- 
sported his men by land and water ninety miles in twenty-five 
hours." Congress directed a sword to be presented to him, and 
passed a resolution expressing their high sense of his merit. 

The exertions made during the winter by the commander-in- 
chief to raise a powerful army for the ensuing campaign had not 
been successful ; but that steady and persevering courage which 
had supported himself and the American cause through the gloomy 
scenes of the preceding year, did not desert him. Supposing 
that Burgoyne, would either attempt to seize Ticonderoga, and join 
General Howe on the Hudson, or v/ould transport his troops by 
water to New York, whence the combined army would proceed to 

By what successful exploit did the Americans retahate the incursions of 
the enemy ? Were the exertions of Washington as successful as he wished 
in endeavoring to strengthen his army ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 77 

Philadelphia, he adopted his arrangements to meet and counteract 
either plan of operations. With a view to the three great points, 
Ticonderoga, the Highlands of New York, and Philadelphia, the 
troops of New England and New York were divided between Ti- 
conderoga and Peekskill, while those from Jersey to North Caro- 
lina inclusive, were directed to assemble at a camp to be formed 
in Jersey. The more southern troops remained in that weak part 
of the Union. 

As the recruits were collected, the camp at Morristown was 
broken up, and the army assembled, on the 28th of May, at Mid- 
dlebrook, just behind a connected ridge of commanding heights, 
north of the road leading to Philadelphia, and about ten miles from 
Brunswick. These heights afforded a full view of any movements 
which might be made by the enemy. On the 20th of May, the 
total of the army in Jersey, excluding cavalry and artillery, amount- 
ed to only eight thousand three hundred and seventy-eight men, 
of whom upwards of two thousand were sick. More than half 
these were recruits, who had never looked an enemy in the fac^. 

General Washington, anticipating a movement by land towards 
Philadelphia, had taken the precaution to give orders for assem- 
bling an army of militia strengthened by a few continental troops, 
on the western bank of the Delaware, to be commanded by Gene- 
ral Arnold, who was then in Philadelphia employed in the settle- 
ment of his accounts. 

The first object of the campaign on the part of General Howe, 
was Philadelphia. He intended to march through Jersey ; and to 
cross the Delaware on a portable bridge constructed in the winter 
for that purpose. If the Americans could be brought to an action 
on equal ground, victory was mevitable. Should Washington de- 
cline an engagement, and be again pressed over the Delaware, the 
object would be as certainly obtained. But it would be dangerous 
to attack him in his lines at Middlebrook ; for although his camp 
might be forced, victory would probably be attended with such loss 
as to disable the victor from reaping its fruits. 

An attempt to cross the Delaware in the face of an army col- 
lected on its western bank, while that commanded by General 
Washington in person remained unbroken on his flank and rear, 
was an experiment of equal hazard. It comported with the cau< 
tious temper of Sir William Howe to devise some other plan to 
which he might resort, should he be unable to seduce the Ameri- 
can General from his advantageous position. 

The two great bays of Delaware and Chesapeake suggested 

How was the American army divided, for the general defence of the 
country ? Mention the number acting- in New Jersey. What was now the 
^eat object of the British commander ? Mention the difficulties which in- 
terfered with the immediate prosecution of his plans. 

7 * 



78 MARSHALL'S 

the alternative of proceeding by water, should he be unable to 
manoeuvre General Washington out of his present encampment. 

On the 12th of June, General Howe assembled the main body 
of his army at Brunswick, and gave strong indications of an inten- 
tion to reach Philadelphia by land. 

General Washington, believing fhis to be his design, posted a 
select corps of riflemen under Colonel Morgan, a partisan of dis- 
tinguished merit, at Vanvichton's bridge on the Raritan, to watch 
the left flank of the British army, and seize every occasion to 
harass it. 

Early in the morning of the 14th, Sir William Howe, leaving 
two thousand men in Brunswick, advanced in two columns to- 
wards the Delaware, which reached Somerset Court-House and 
Middlebrook about the same time. 

On receiving intelligence that his enemy was in motion, Gene- 
ral Washington formed his army to great advantage on the heights 
in front of his camp. The troops remained in order of battle 
during the day ; and, in the night, slept on the ground to be de- 
fended. The Jersey militia took the field in great numbers, and 
joined General Sullivan, who had retired from Princeton behind 
the Lowland hills towards Flemingtown, where an army of some 
respectability was forming, which could co-operate with that under 
the immediate inspection of the commander-in-chief. 

The settled purpose of General Washington was to defend his 
camp, but not to hazard an action on other ground. That of Ge- 
neral Howe seems to have been, by acting on his anxiety for Phi- 
ladelphia, to seduce him from his strong ground, and tempt him 
to approach the Delaware in the hope of defending its passage. 
The motives which restrained Howe from marching through Jer- 
sey, leaving the American army in full force in his rear, deter- 
mined Washington to allow him to proceed to the Delaware should 
such be his intention. In that event, he purposed to maintain the 
high strong grounds north of the road to be taken by his enemy, 
and to watch for any opportunity which might be used to advan- 
tage. 

Finding the American army could not be drawn from its strong 
position. General Howe determined to withdraw from Jersey, and 
to embark his army for the Chesapeake or the Delaware. On the 
night of the 19th, he returned to Brunswick, and on the 22d to 
Amboy, from which place, the heavy baggage and a few troops 
passed into Staten Island on the bridge which had been designed 
for the Delaware. 

On the march to Amboy, some sharp skirmishing took place 

Mention the various movements by which General Howe endeavored to 
draw the Americans from their strong position. In what way did he at length 
determine to reach Philadelphia ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 79 

with Morgan's corps ; but the retreat was conducted with such 
circumspection, that no important advantage could be gained. 

In order to cover and co-operate with his hght parties, General 
Washington advanced six or seven miles to Quibbletown, on the 
road to Amboy ; and Lord Sterling's division was pushed still fur- 
ther to Metucking meeting-house. 

In the hope of bringing on an engagement. General Howe, on 
the night of the 26th, recalled his troops from Staten Island, and, 
early the next morning, made a rapid movement in two columns : 
the right, commanded by Lord Cornwallis, took the route by 
Woodbridge to the Scotch plains ; and the left, led by Sir William 
Howe in person, marched by Metucking meeting-house. The 
left was to attack the left flank of the Americans at Quibbletown, 
while Lord Cornwallis should gain the heights on the left of the 
camp at Middlebrook. 

At Woodbridge, the right column fell in with an American 
party of observation, which gave notice of this movement. Gen- 
eral Washington, comprehending his danger, put the army in 
motion, and regained the camp at Middlebrook. Lord Cornwallis 
fell in with Lord Sterhng, and a sharp skirmish ensued, in which 
the Americans lost three field-pieces and a few men ; after which 
they retreated to the hills about the Scotch plains. Perceiving 
the passes in the mountains to be guarded, and the object of this 
skilful manoeuvre to be unattainable, the British general returned 
to Amboy, and crossed over to Staten Island. 

General Washington was again left to conjecture the plan of 
the campaign. Intelligence had been received of the appearance 
of Burgoyne on Lake Champlain, and that Ticonderoga was 
threatened. This strengthened the opinion, that the design of 
Howe must be to seize the passes in the mountains on the Hud- 
son, secure the command of that river, and effect a junction be- 
tween the two armies. Without abandoning his camp at Middle- 
brook, he made dispositions to repel any sudden attack on the 
posts in the Highlands. 

While the General anxiously watched the motions of his adver- 
sary, an agreeable piece of intelligence was received from New 
England. The command of the British troops in Rhode Island 
had devolved on General Prescot. Thinking himself perfectly 
secure, he mdulged himself in convenient quarters, rather distant 
from camp, and was remiss with respect to guards. Information 
of this negligence was communicated, and a plan was formed to 
surprise him. This spirited enterprize was executed with courage 
and address by Colonel Barton, of the Rhode Island militia. 

Mention the movement made by General Howe, in the hope of forcing the 
Americans into a general engagement. Was tliis project successful ? Relate 
the particulars of the capture of General Prescot. 



80 MARSHALL'S 

On the night of the 10th of July, he embarked on board four 
whale-boats, at Warwick neck, with a party of about forty men, 
including Captains Adams and Philips. After proceeding about 
ten miles by water unobserved, he landed about midway between 
Newport and Bristol ferry, and, marching a mile to the quarters 
of Prescot, seized the sentinel at the door, and one of his aids. 
The General himself was taken oHt of bed, and conveyed to a 
place of safety. 

The success of this intrepid enterprize diffused the more joy, 
because it was supposed to secure the liberation of General Lee. 

Congress expressed a high sense of this gallant action, and pre- 
sented Colonel Barton with a sword. 

At last, the embarkation of the British army was completed ; 
and the fleet put to sea. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

General Washington marches towards the Delaware. — Takes measures for checking 
Burgoyne. — British army lands at the ferry on Elk River. — General Washington 
advances to the Brandywine. — Retreat of Maxwell. — Defeat at Brandywine. — Skir- 
mish on the 16th of September. — Retreat to French Creek. — General Wayne sur- 
prised—General Howe takes possession of Philadelphia.— Congress removes to Lan- 
caster. 

While the British troops were embarking at New York, the 
utmost exertions were made by General Washington to strengthen 
the army of the north, which was retreating before Burgoyne. He 
not only pressed the Governors of the eastern states to reinforce it 
with all their militia, and hastened the march of those generals 
who were designed to act in that department, but made large de- 
tachments of choice troops from his own army, thus weakening 
himself in order to reinforce other generals, whose strength would 
be more useful. 

On receiving intelligence that the British fleet had sailed, the 
American army, under his immediate command, commenced 
its march southward. On the 30th of July, the fleet appeared off 
the capes of Dela\vare, and orders were given for assembling all 
the several detachments in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. 
Scarcely were these orders given, when they were countermanded. 
An express brought the information that the fleet had sailed out 
of Delaware bay, and was steering eastward. On the 7th of 
August, it was again seen a few leagues south of the capes of 

With what design was the British army withdrawn from New Jersey ? 
Whpre was the fleet seen ? Was the American commander uncertain as to 
the exfict designs of the enemy ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 81 

Delaware; afler which it disappeared, and was not again seen 
until late in that month, when it appeared in the Chesapeake. 

The original design had been to proceed up the Delaware ; but, 
on entering that bay, its obstructions were found to be so consi- 
derable, that this design was abandoned, and the resolution taken 
to transport the army up the Chesapeake. The fleet sailed up 
that bay, and proceeded up Elk river as high as it was safely 
navigable. On the 25th of August, the troops, estimated at 
eighteen thousand effectives, were landed at the ferry. 

On the appearance of the fleet in the Chesapeake, the several 
divisions of the American army were again ordered to unite in 
the neighborhood of Philadelphia ; and the militia of Pennsylva- 
nia, Maryland, Delaware, and the northern counties of Virginia, 
were directed to take the field. 

The day before Sir William Howe landed, the American army 
marched through Philadelphia to the Brandywine. The divisions 
of Greene and Stephen were advanced nearer the head of Elk, 
and encamped behind White Clay creek. The militia of Mary- 
land and Delaware, with Richardson's continental regiment, were 
assembled in the British rear, under General Smallwood ; and 
the militia of Pennsylvania were united with the main body of 
the army. It was estimated by General Howe at fifteen thou- 
sand, including militia ; and his estimate did not far exceed their 
total numbers ; but the effectives, including militia, did not exceed 
eleven thousand. 

Morgan's regiment of riflemen having been detached to the 
northern army, a corps of light infantry was formed for the oc- 
casion, and placed under General Maxwell. This corps was 
advanced to Iron Hill, about three miles in front of White Clay 
creek. 

The British army, on landing, encamped in two divisions — the 
one at Elkton, the other at Cecil Court-House. On the 3d of Sep- 
tember, they formed a junction at Pencader, or Aiken's tavern. 
On the march. Lord Cornwallis fell in with, and attacked Max- 
well, who retreated over White Clay creek, with the loss of about 
forty men, killed and wounded. 

The American army encamped behind Red Clay creek, on 
the road leading from the camp of Sir AVilliam Howe to Phila- 
delphia.. 

On the 8th of September, General Howe made a show of at- 
tacking the Americans in front, while the main body attempted to 
turn their right flank. Perceiving his design. General Washing- 
ton changed his ground early in the night, and crossing the Bran- 
Why did the enemy prefer sailing up the Chesapeake ? When were the 
British troops landed, and what was their force ? What were the numbers 
of the Americans ? What movements now took place ? 



82 MARSHALL'S 

dywine, took post behind that river at Chadd's ford. General 
Maxwell occupied the hills south of the river, on the road leading 
over the ford. The militia under General Armstrong guarded a 
ford two miles below Chadd's ; and the right extended a few miles 
above, with a view to other fords deemed less practicable. 

In the evening of the Oth, Howe moved forward in two columns, 
which united next morning at Rennet's Square ; after which his 
parties were advanced on the roads leading to Lancaster, to 
Chadd's ford, and to Wilmington. 

The armies were now within seven miles of each other, with 
only the Brandywine between them, which opposed no obstacle to 
a general engagement. This was sought by Howe, and no\. 
avoided by Washington. It was impossible to protect Philadel- 
phia without a victory ; and this object was deemed of such im- 
portance throughout America, and especially by Congress, as to 
require that a battle should be hazarded for its attainment. 

In the morning of the 11th, soon after day, information was 
received that the whole British army was advancing on the direct 
road leading over Chadd's ford. The Americans w^r^ immediately 
arrayed in order of battle for the purpose of contesting the passage 
of the river. Skirmishing now commenced between the advanced 
parties ; and by ten, Maxwell was driven over the Brandywine 
below the ford. Knyphausen, who commanded this division, 
paraded on the heights, and appeared to be making dispositions to 
force the passage of the river. 

About eleven. Colonel Ross of Pennsylvania brought the infor- 
mation that a large colum.n, estimated by him at five thousand 
men, with many field-pieces, had taken a road leading from Ken- 
net's Square directly up the country, and had entered the Great 
Valley road, down which they were marching to the upper fords 
an the Brandywine. 

On receiving this intelligence, Washington is said to have de- 
termined to detach Sullivan and Lord Sterling, to engage the left 
of the British army ; and to cross Chadd's ford in person, and at- 
tack Knyphausen. Before this plan, if formed, could be executed, 
counter intelligence was received inducing the opinion that the 
movement on the British left was a feint, and that the colum.n 
which had made it, after making demonstrations of crossing the 
Brandywine above its forks, had marched down the southern side 
of that river to reunite itself with Knyphausen. 

The uncertainty produced by this contradictory intelligence 
was at length removed ; and about two in the afternoon, it was 
ascertained that the left wing, commanded by Lord Cornv/allis, 

By what reasons was Washington influenced in determining to risk a 
general battle ? Mention the movements of both armies, which preceded 
the battle of Brandywine. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 83 

after making a circuit of about seventeen miles, had crossed the 
river above its forks, and was advancing in great force. 

A change of disposition was immediately made. The divisions 
of Sullivan, Sterling, and Stephen, advanced farther up the Bran- 
dywine, and fronted the British column marching down the river. 
That commanded by Wayne remained at Chadd's ford. Greene's 
division, accompanied by General Washington in person, formed 
a reserve between the right and left wings. 

The troops detached against Lord Cornwallis, formed hastily 
on an advantageous piece of ground, above Birmingham meeting- 
house. Unfortunately Sullivan's division, in taking its ground, 
made too large a circuit, and was scarcely formed when the at- 
tack commenced. 

About half-past four the action began, and was kept up warmly 
for some time. The American right first gave way. The line 
continued to break from the right, and in a short time was com- 
pletely routed. The commander-in-chief pressed forward with 
Greene to the support of that wing ; but before his arrival, its 
rout was complete, and he could only check the pursuit. For 
this purpose the tenth Virginia regiment commanded by Colonel 
Stevens, and a regiment of Pennsylvania commanded by Colonel 
Stewart, were posted advantageously to cover the rear of the re- 
treating army. The impression made by their fire, and the ap- 
proach of night, induced Sir William Howe, after dispersing them, 
to give over the pursuit. 

When the action commenced on the American right. General 
Knyphausen crossed at Chadd's ford, and forced a small battery 
which defended it. The defeat of the American right being 
known, the left also withdrew from its ground. The whole army 
retreated that night to Chester, and the next day to Philadelphia. 

The loss sustained by the Americans in this action has been 
estimated at three hundred killed and six hundred wounded. Be- 
tween three and four hundred, principally the wounded, were 
made prisoners. Among the wounded were General Lafayette, 
and Brigadier-General Woodford. As must ever be the case in 
new-raised armies, their conduct was not uniform : some regi- 
ments, especially those who had served the preceding campaign, 
maintained their ground with the firmness of veterans. Others 
gave way as soon as they were pressed. 

The official letter of Sir William Howe stated his loss at rather 
less than one hundred killed and four hundred wounded. As the 
Americans sustained very little injury in the retreat, this inequality 
of loss can be ascribed only to the inferiority of their arms. 

Relate the progress and the result of the battle of Brandywine. What 
was the loss on each side ? What was the general conduct of Washington's 
troops ? Whither did the American army now retire ? 



84 MARSHALL'S 

The battle of Brandy wine was not considered as decisive ; and 
Congress appeared determined to risk another engagement for the 
metropolis of America. 

Having allowed his army one day for repose and refreshment. 
General Washington re-crossed the Schuylkill, and proceeded on 
the Lancaster road, with the intention of meeting and again fight- 
ing his enemy. 

Sir William Howe passed the night of the 11th on the field of 
battle ; and on the two succeeding days advanced towards Ches- 
ter, and also took possession of Wilmington, to which place his 
sick and wounded were conveyed. 

On the 15th the American army, intending to gain the left of 
ihe British, reached the Warren tavern, on the Lancaster road, 
twenty-three miles from Philadelphia. Intelligence being received 
early next morning that Howe was approaching in two columns, 
Washington determined to meet and engage him in front. 

Both armies prepared with alacrity for battle. The advanced 
parties had met, and were beginning to skirmish, when they w^ere 
separated by a heavy rain, which rendered the retreat of the 
Americans a measure of absolute necessity. Their gun-locks 
not being well secured, their muskets soon became unfit for use. 
Their cartridge-boxes had been so inartificially constructed as not 
to protect their ammunition, and very many of the soldiers were 
without bayonets. 

The design of giving battle was reluctantly abandoned, and the 
retreat was continued all day and great part of the night through 
a most distressing rain, and very deep roads. A few hours be- 
fore day the troops halted at the Yellow Springs, where the alarm- 
ing fact was disclosed, that scarcely one musket in a regiment 
could be discharged, and scarcely one cartridge in a box was fit 
for war. The army retired to Warwick furnace, on the south 
branch of the French Creek, where a small supply of muskets 
and ammunition might be obtained in time to dispute the passage 
of the Schuylkill. 

The extreme severity of the weather stopped the advance of 
Sir William Howe for two days. 

From French Creek, General Wayne was detached with his 
division into the rear of the British, to harass their march ; while 
General Washington crossed the Schuylkill at Parker's Ferry, 
and encamped on both sides of Perkioming Creek. 

General Wayne lay in the woods, about three miles in rear of 
the left wing of the British troops. The country was so exten- 
sively disaffected, that Sir William Howe received accurate ac- 

Did Washington resolve to meet the enemy a second time, rather than 
relinquish the defence of Philadelphia ? What circumstance prevented the 
battle, and rendered the American arms ineffective ? 



t 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 85 



counts of his position and of his force. Major- General Grey was 
detached on the night of the 20th to surprise him, and effectually 
accomplished his purpose. The American piquets, driven in with 
charged bayonets, gave the first intimation of his approach. 
Wayne instantly formed his division ; and while the right sus- 
tained the shock, directed a retreat by the lefl. He states his loss 
at one hundred and fifty killed and wounded. It probably amount- 
ed to at least three hundred. The British admit, on their part, a 
loss of only seven. 

When the attack commenced. General Small wood, who was on 
his march to join Wayne, was within less than a mile of him ; 
and, had he commanded regulars, might have given a different 
turn to the night ; but his militia thought only of their own safety. 

Some severe animadversions on this affair having been made in 
the army, General Wayne demanded a court-martial, which was 
unanimously of opinion " that he had done every thing to be ex- 
pected from an active, brave, and vigilant officer," and acquitted 
him with honor. 

Having secured his rear by compelling Wayne to take a greater 
distance. Sir WilHam Howe marched to the Schuylkill, and en- 
camped on the bank of that river from the first land ford up to 
French creek, along the front of the American army. To secure 
his right from being turned. General Washington moved higher 
up the river, and encamped with his left above the British right. 

General Howe, relinquishing his purpose of bringing Washington 
to a battle, determined to pass the Schuylkill and take possession 
of Philadelphia. The whole army crossed without much opposi- 
tion on the night of the 22d, and, proceeding on its march, en- 
camped near Swede's ford. 

It was now apparent that only immediate victory could save 
Philadelphia. Public opinion, which a military chief finds too 
much difficulty in resisting, and the opinion of Congress, required 
a battle ; but Washington came to the wise determination of avoid- 
ing one for the present. His reasons for this decision were con- 
clusive. Wayne and Smallwood had not yet joined the army ; 
the continental troops ordered from Peekskill were approaching ; 
and a reinforcement of Jersey militia, under General Dickenson, 
was also expected. 

A council of war concurred in his opinion not to march against 
the enemy, but to allow his harassed troops a few days of repose 
on their present ground. 

The members of Congress separated on the 18th of September, 
in the evening, and reassembled at Lancaster on the 27th. The 
British army entered Philadelphia on the 26th. 

What severe loss was sustained by a detachment under General Wayne ? 
On what day did the British army enter Philadelphia? 
8 



«6 MARSHALL'S 



CHAPTER IX. 

Measures to cut off the communication between the British army and fleet.— Battle of 
Germantown.— Attack on fort Mifflin.— On Red Bank.— The Augusta blown up.— 
General Washington takes post at White Marsh.— Fort Mifflin evacuated.- Fort 
Mercer evacuated.— The British open a communication with their fleet.— General 
Howe marches toChesnut Hill. — Returns to Philadelphia.— General Washington goes 
into winter quarters. 

To prevent the co-operation of the fleet with the British army in 
Philadelphia, works had been erected on Mud island, a low marshy 
piece Oi"* ground near the junction of the Schuylkill with the Dela- 
ware, and at Red Bank, on the opposite Jersey shore, which were 
defended with heavy artillery. In the deep channel, under cover 
of these batteries, several ranges of frames, resembling chevaux- 
de-frise, had been sunk, which were so strong and heavy as to de- 
stroy any ship that might strike against them. No attempt to 
open the channel could be successful until the command of the 
shores on both sides should be obtained. 

Other ranges of machines had been sunk about three miles lower 
down the river ; and some considerable works were in progress at 
Billingsport, on the Jersey side, which were in such forwardness 
as to be provided with artillery. These works and machines were 
farther supported by two floating batteries, several galleys, a num- 
ber of other armed vessels, and some fire-ships. 

The present relative situation of the armies gave a decisive im- 
portance to these works. Cutting off the communication of General 
Howe with his fleet, they intercepted his supplies by water ; while 
the American vessels in the river above fort Mifflin, the fort on Mud 
island, opposed obstacles to his foraging in Jersey ; and General 
Washington hoped to render his supplies on the part of Pennsyl- 
vania so precarious as to compel him to evacuate Philadelphia. 

These advantages were considerably diminished by the capture 
of the Delaware frigate. 

Lord Cornwallis, the day after entering Philadelphia, commenced 
three batteries for the purpose of acting against any American ships 
which might appear before the town. While incomplete, they were 
attacked by two American frigates, assisted by several galleys and 
gondolas. The largest, the Delaware, being left by the tide, 
grounded, and was captured. This event was the more interesting, 
as it not only gave the British general the command of the ferry, 
and free access to the Jersey shore, but also enabled him to inter- 
cept the communication between the forts below and Trenton, 
from which place the garrisons were to have drawn their military 
stores. 

Wliat precautions were adopted to prevent communication between the 
Brilish fleet and army through the Delaware ? 



LIFE OF WASfllNGTON. 87 

The expected reinforcements, except the state regiment and mi- 
litia from Virginia, being arrived, the American army amounted 
to eight thousand continental troops and three thousand militia. 
With this force General V^ashington determined to approach the 
enemy, and seize the first opportunity of attacking him. The army 
took a position on the Skippack road, about sixteen miles ^ 
from Germantown. The British line of encampment ^^ * 
crossed this village near its centre, and Lord Cornwallis, with four 
regiments of grenadiers, occupied Philadelphia. Colonel Stirlincy 
had been detached with two regiments to take possession of the 
fort at Billingsport and destroy the works, after which service he 
was directed to escort a convoy of provisions from Chester to Phi- 
ladelphia. For the security of this convoy, another regiment was 
detached from Germantown. 

General Washington determined to avail himself of this division 
of the British force, and to attempt to surprise the camp at Ger- 
mantown. His plan was to attack both wings in front and rear at 
the same instant. 

The divisions of Sullivan and Wayne, flanked by Conway's 
brigade, were to march down the main road, and attack the left 
wing ; while General Armstrong, with the Pennsylvania militia, 
should turn its left flank and attack in the rear. The commander- 
in-chief accompanied this column. 

The divisions of Greene and Stephens, flanked by M'Dou gal's 
brigade, were to take a circuit by the Limekiln road, and attack 
the right wing. 

The militia of Maryland and Jersey, under Generals Smallwood 
and Forman, were to march down the old York road, and, turning 
its right, to fall on its rear. 

The division of Lord Sterling, and the brigades of Nash and 
Maxwell, formed the reserve. 

Parties of cavalry were silently to scour the roads, and to keep 
up the communication between the heads of the several columns. 

The army moved from its ground about seven in the p, ^ ^ 
afternoon, and before sunrise the next morning, the ad- ^ * 
vance of the column led by Sullivan drove in a piquet. The main 
body followed close in the rear, and engaging the light infantry 
and the fortieth regiment, forced them to give way. Though closely 
pursued, Lieutenant-Colonel Musgrave, with five companies, threw 
himself into a large stone house belonging to Mr. Chew, which stood 
directly in the way of Wayne's division, and poured on the Ame- 
ricans an incessant and galling fire from the doors and windows. 

After some unsuccessful and bloody attempts to carry the house 

What were the respective positions of the two armies ? Mention the cir- 
cumstance which encouraged Washington to engage the enemy at German- 
town. State the order of attack. 



88 MARSHALL'S 

by storm, and battering it with field artillery, which was too light 
to make any impression on its walls, a regiment was left to ob- 
serve the party within it, and Wayne moved forward, passing to 
the left of the house. 

In rather more than half an hour after Sullivan had been en- 
gaged, the left wing came also into action, and drove the light in- 
fantry posted in front of the British right from its ground. While 
pursuing the flying enemy, Woodford's brigade, which was on the 
right of this wing, was arrested by a heavy fire from Chew's house, 
directed against its right flank. The brigade; was drawn oft" to the 
left by its commanding officer, and the field-pieces attached to it 
were ordered to play on the liouse, but were too light to be of ser- 
vice. The advance of that brigade being thus retarded, this part 
of the line was broken, and the two brigades composing the divi- 
sion of Stephens were not only separated from each other, but 
from the other division which was led by General Greene in per- 
son. That division, consisting of the brigades of Muhlenberg and 
Scott, encountered and broke a part of the British right wing, en- 
tered the village, and made a considerable number of prisoners. 

Thus far the prospect was flattering. Had the American troops 
possessed the advantages given by experience, there is yet reason 
to believe that the hopes inspired by this favorable commencement 
would not have been disappointed. But the face of the country, 
and the darkness of the morning produced by a fog of uncommon 
density, co-operating with the defective discipline of the army, and 
the derangements of the corps by the incidents at Chew's house, 
blasted these flattering appearances. 

The grounds over which the British were pursued abounded 
in small and strong inclosures, which frequently broke the line 
of the pursuer's army. The two divisions composing the right 
wing had been separated at Chew's house, and immediately after 
their passing it, the right of the left wing was stopped at the same 
place, so as to cause a division of that wing also. The darkness 
of the morning rendered it difficult to distinguish objects ; and it 
was impossible for the commander-in-chief to learn the situation 
of the whole, or to correct the confusion which was commencing. 
The same cause which obstructed the re-union of the broken parts 
of the American army, also prevented their discerning the real 
situation of the enemy, so as to improve the first impression. 

The attacks on the flanks and rear which formed a part of the 
original plan, do not appear to have been made. 

These embarrassments gave the British time to recover from the 
consternation into which they had been thrown. General Knyp- 

Narrate the progress of the battle of Germantown, and mention the unfa- 
Torable occurrence which interfered with the success of the American 
arms. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 89 

hausen, who commanded their left, detaclied two brigades to meet 
the right of Sullivan, which had penetrated far into the village, 
before his left, which had been detained at Chew's house, could 
rejoin him ; and the action became warm in that quarter. The 
British right also recovered from its surprise, and advanced on 
that part of Greene's division which had entered the town. After 
a sharp engagement these two brigades began to retreat, and those 
who were most in advance were surrounded and compelled to sur- 
render. About the same time the right wing also began to retreat. 
It is understood that their ammunition was expended. 

Every effort to stop this retrograde movement proved ineffec- 
tual. The division of Wayne fell back on that of Stephens, and 
was for some time mistaken for the enemy. General confusion 
prevailed, and the confidence felt in the beginning of the action 
was lost. With infinite chagrin General Washington found him- 
self compelled to relinquish all hope of victory, and to turn his 
attention to the safety of his army. The enemy not being suffi- 
ciently recovered to endanger his rear, the retreat was made with- 
out loss under cover of the division of Stephens. 

In this battle about two hundred Americans were killed, near 
three times that number wounded, and about four hundred made 
prisoners. Among the killed was General Nash, of North Caro- 
lina ; and among the prisoners was Colonel Pvlatthews of Virgi- 
nia, whose regiment had penetrated into the centre of the town. 
The loss of the British, as stated in the official return, did not ex- 
ceed five hundred, of whom less than one hundred were killed. 
Among the latter, were General Agnew and Colonel Bird. 

The American army retreated about twenty miles to Perkiomen 
creek, where a small reinforcement, consisting of about fifteen 
hundred militia, and a state regiment, was received from Virgi- 
nia ; after which it again advanced towards Philadelphia, and re- 
occupied the ground from which it had marched to fight the battle 
of Germantown. 

The attention of both armies was now principally directed to 
the forts below Philadelphia. 

A garrison of continental troops was placed in the fort at Red 
Bank, called fort Mercer, which commanded the channel between 
the Jersey shore and Mud island, and afforded protection to the 
American flotilla. The militia of Jersey were relied upon to re- 
inforce this garrison ; and also to form a corps of observation 
which might harass the rear of any detachment investing the 
place. 

General Howe was indefatigable in his preparations to attack 

What was the result of the battle of Germantown ? Mention the loss of 
each army. What position was resumed by the Americans ? Whither was 
attention now chiefly turned ? 

8* 



90 MARSHALL'S 

fort Mifflin from the Pennsylvania shore. He erected batteries at 
the mouth of the Schuylkill, which were silenced by Commodore 
Hazlewood; but a detachment crossed over Webb's ferry into 
Province Island in the following night, and constructed a slight 
work opposite fort Mifflin, from which they were able to throw 
shot and shells into the barracks. This was attacked at daylight 
by three galleys and a floating battery, and the garrison surren- 
dered. While the boats were bringing off the prisoners, a large 
body of British troops reoccupied the fortress. The attack was 
renewed by the flotilla, without success ; and two attempts made 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Smith to storm it, entirely failed. In a few 
nights, works were completed on the high ground of Province 
Island, which enfiladed the principal battery of fort Mifflin. 

The aids expected from the Jersey militia not being received. 
Colonel Angel of Rhode Island, with his regiment, was ordered to 
Red Bank ; and L-ieutenant- Colonel John Goune of Virginia, with 
about two hundred men, to fort Mifflin. 

Immediately after the battle of Brandywine, Admiral Howe 
sailed for the Delaware ; but his van did not get into the river 
until the 4th of October. The ships of war and transports which 
followed, came up from the 6th to the 8th, and anchored from 
New Castle to Reedy Island. It was not till the middle of the 
month, that the frigates in advance of the fleet could make a nar- 
row and intricate passage through the lower impediments sunk in 
the river. In the meantime the fire from the Pennsylvania shore 
had not produced all the effect expected from it; and General 
Howe perceived that greater exertions would be necessary for the 
reduction of the works than could be safely made in the present 
relative situation of the armies. Under this impression, he with- 
drew his troops from Germantown into Philadelphia, as prepara- 
tory to a combined attack by land and water on forts Mercer and 
Mifflin. 

After effecting a passage through the works sunk in the river 
at Billingsport, other difficulties still remained to be encountered 
by the ships of war. Several rows of chevaux-de-frise had been 
sunk about half a mile below Mud island, which were protected 
by the guns of the forts, as well as by the moveable water force. 
To silence these works, therefore, was a necessary preliminary to 
the removal of the obstructions in the channel. 

On the 21st of October, Colonel Count Donop, at the head of 
twelve hundred Hessians, crossed the Delaware at Philadelphia, 
with orders to storm the works at Red Bank. Late in the even- 
ing of the 22d, he appeared before the fort, and attacked it with 

Narrate the events which marked the contest of the two parties for the 
command of the Delaware. On what expedition was Count Donop sent 
from Philadelphia ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 91 

great intrepidity. It was defended with equal resolution. The 
outer works, being too extensive to be manned by the garrison, 
were used only to gall the assailants while advancing. On their 
near approach, the Americans retired within the inner entrench- 
ment, whence they poured upon the Hessians a heavy and de- 
structive fire. Colonel Donop received a mortal wound ; and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Mengerode, the second in command, fell about 
the same time. Lieutenant-Colonel Minsing, the oldest remaining 
officer, drew off his troops, and returned next day to Philadelphia. 
The loss of the assailants was estimated at four hundred men. 
That of the Americans amounted to only thirty -two in killed and 
wounded. 

The ships having been ordered to co-operate with Count Donop, 
the Augusta and four smaller vessels passed the lower line of 
chevaux-de-frise opposite Billingsport, and lay above it, waiting 
for the assault. The flood tide setting in as the attack commenced, 
they moved with it up the river. The obstructions sunk in the 
Delaware, having in some degree changed its channel, the Au- 
gusta and the Merlin grounded a considerable distance below the 
second Hne of chevaux-de-frise; and a strong wind from the 
north so checked the rising of the tide, that they could not be 
floated by the flood. The next morning, their situation was dis- 
covered, and four fire-ships were sent to destroy them, but with- 
out effect. Meanwhile, a warm cannonade was kept up on both 
sides, in the course of which the Augusta took fire, and it was 
found impracticable to extinguish the flames. Most of the men 
were taken out, the frigates withdrawn, and the Merlin set on fire ; 
after which the Augusta blew up, and a few of the crew were lost 
in her. 

Congress expressed its high sense of the merits of Colonel 
Greene, of Rhode Island, and of Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, of 
Maryland, who had commanded in the forts ; and of Commodore 
Hazlewood, who had commanded the galleys, and presented a 
sword to each of those officers. 

This repulse inspired sanguine hopes that the posts on the 
Delaware might be defended so long as to induce the evacuation 
of Philadelphia. But their condition did not justify this confi- 
dence. 

Having failed in every attempt to draw the militia of Jersey to 
the Delaware, General Washington determined to strengthen the 
garrisons by further drafts from his army. Three hundred Penn- 
sylvania militia were detached to be divided between them, and 
General Va mum's brigade was ordered to take a position near 

What was the issue of Donop's attack upon Red Bank ? Mention his 
toss, and that of the Americans. What marine disaster was sustained by the 
enemy in the river Delaware ? 



•J2 MARSHALL'S 

Red Bank, and to relieve and reinforce the garrisons of both 
forts. The hope was entertained, that the appearance of a re- 
spectable continental force might encourage the militia to assemble 
in greater numbers. 

In this state of things, intelligence was received of the success- 
ful termination of the northern campaign; in consequence of 
which, great part of the troops who had been employed against 
Burgoyne might be drawn to the aid of the army in Pennsylvania. 
Colonel Hamilton was dispatched to General Gates, to make the 
proper representations to that officer, and to urge him, if he con- 
templated no other service of more importance, to send immedi- 
ately the regiments of Massachusetts and New Hampshire to aid 
the army of the middle department. 

On reachmg General Putnam, Colonel Hamilton found that a 
considerable part of the northern army had joined that officer ; 
but that Gates had detained four brigades at Albany, for an ex- 
pedition intended to be carried on in the winter against Ticonde- 
roga. 

Having made arrangements with Putnam for the immediate 
march of a large body of continental troops, Colonel Hamilton 
proceeded to Albany, for the purpose of remonstrating with Gen- 
eral Gates against retaining so large and valuable a part of the 
army unemployed at a time when the most imminent danger 
threatened the vitals of the country. Gates was by no means 
disposed to part with his troops. He would not be persuaded that 
an expedition then preparing at New York was designed to rein- 
force General Howe ; and insisted, that by a sudden movement 
up the Hudson, it would be in the power of the enemy, should 
Albany be left defenceless, to destroy the valuable arsenal at that 
place, and the military stores captured with Burgoyne. 

After obtaining, by repeated remonstrances, an order directing 
three brigades to the Delaware, Hamilton hastened back to Put- 
nam, and found the troops which had been ordered to join General 
Washington, still at Peekskill. The detachment from New York 
had suggested to Putnam the possibility of taking that place ; and 
he does not appear to have made any great exertions to divest 
himself of a force which might enable him to accomplish an object 
that would give so much splendor to his military character. In 
addition to this circumstance, an opinion had insinuated itself 
among the soldiers that their share of service for the campaign 
had been performed, and that it was time for them to go into win- 
ter quarters. Great discontent, too, prevailed concerning their 
pay, which the government had permitted to be more than six 

After the capture of Burgoyne in the north, what endeavors were made 
by Washington to procure reinforcements from the unemployed American 
force in that quarter ? Mention the obstacles that were interposed. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 93 

months in arrear : and, in Poor's brigade, a mutiny broke out, in 
the course of which a soldier, who was run through the body by 
his captain, shot the officer dead before he expired. Colonel Ha- 
milton came in time to borrow money of the Governor of New 
York, to put the troops in motion ; and they proceeded by brigades 
to the Delaware. But delays retarded their arrival until the con- 
test for the forts on that river was terminated. 

The preparations of Sir William Howe being completed, a large 
battery on Province Island, of twenty- four and thirty-two pounders, 
and two howitzers of eight inches each, opened early in the morn- 
ing of the 1 0th of November, upon fort Mifflin, at the distance of 
five hundred yards, and kept up an incessant fire for several days. 
The block-houses were reduced to a heap of ruins ; the palisades 
were beaten down ; most of the guns disabled, and the barracks 
battered in every part so that the troops could not remain in them. 
They were under the necessity of working and watching through 
the night ; and, if in the day a few moments v/ere allowed for re- 
pose, it was taken on the wet earth, which incessant rains had 
rendered a soft mud. The garrison was relieved by General Var- 
num every forty-eight hours ; but his brigade was so weak that 
half the men were constantly on duty. 

In the hope that the place might be maintained till reinforce- 
ments should arrive from the northern army. General Washing- 
ton ordered that it should be defended to the last extremity ; and 
never were orders better executed. 

Several of the garrison were killed, and among them Captain 
Treat, a gallant officer who commanded the artillery. Colonel 
Smith received a contusion on his hip and arm, which compelled 
him to give up the command, and retire to Red Bank. Major 
Fleury, a French officer of distinguished merit, who served as 
engineer, reported that the place was still defensible, but the gar- 
rison was so worn down with fatigue, and so unequal to the ex- 
tent of the lines, that he dreaded the event of an attempt to carry 
them by storm. The command was taken first by Colonel Rus- 
sell, and afterwards by Major Thayer ; and the artillery, com- 
manded by Captain Lee, continued to be well served. The be- 
siegers were several times thrown into confusion, and a floating 
battery which opened on the morning of the 14th was silenced in 
the course of the day. 

The defence being unexpectedly obstinate, the be- -p^ , f. 
siegers brought up their ships as far as the obstructions 
in the river permitted, and added their fire to that of the batteries 
The brave 'garrison, however, still maintained their ground with 

Was the partial aid at length obtained from the northern army, in time 
to save the forts on the Delaware ? Describe the obstinate attack and de- 
fence of fort Mifflin. 



1)4 MARSHALL'S 

unshaken firmness. In the midst of this stubborn conflict, the 
Vigilant, and a sloop-of-war, were brought up the middle channel, 
between Mud and Province islands, which had, unperceived by 
the besieged, been deepened by the current, in consequence of the 
obstructions in the main channel ; and taking a station within one 
hundred yards of the works, not only kept up a destructive can- 
nonade, but threw hand-grenades into them ; while the musketeers 
from the round-top of the Vigilant, killed every man that appear 
ed on the platform. 

P^ajor Thayer applied to the Commodore to remove these ves- 
sels ; and six galleys were ordered on the service ; but they re- 
turned v^dthout attempting any thing. Their report was that these 
ships were so covered by the batteries on Province Island, as to be 
unassailable. 

It vras apparent that the fort could be no longer defended ; and 
on the night of the 16th, the garrison was withdrawn ; soon after- 
wards a detachment from Province Island occupied the ground 
that had been abandoned. 

The day after receiving intelligence of the evacuation of fort 
IMifTlm, the commander-in-chief deputed Generals De Kalb and 
Knox, to confer with General Varnum, and the officers at fort 
Mercer, on the practicability of continuing to defend the obstruc- 
tions in the channel. Their report was favorable ; but a council 
of naval officers had already been called by the commodore, in 
pursuance of a request made by the commander-in-chief, previous 
to the evacuation, who v/ere unanimously of opinion that it would 
be impracticable for the fleet, after the loss of the island, to main- 
tain its station, or to assist in preventing the chevaux-de-frise from 
being weighed by the ships of the enemy. 

General Howe had now completed a line of defence from the 
Schuylkill to the Delaware, and a reinforcement from New York 
had arrived in the river at Chester. These two circumstances 
enabled him to form an army in Jersey for the reduction of fort 
Mercer, without weakening himself so much in Philadelphia as to 
put his lines in hazard. He detached Lord Cornwallis in the 
morning of the 17th, with a strong body of troops, who formed a 
junction with the reinforcement from New York, at Billingsport. 

General Washington communicated the movement of Lord 
Cornwallis to General Varnum, with orders to defend fort Mercer 
to the last extremity ; and, with a view to military operations in 
that quarter, ordered one division of the army to cross the river at 
Burlington, and despatched expresses to the troops who were 
marching from the north by brigades, directing them to move 

What was the result of the operations against fort Mifflin ? In what 
manner did General Howe strengthen himself in Philadelphia ? What di 
rections were given by Washington to the troops approaching from the north < 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 95 

down the Delaware, on the northern side. Major- General Greene 
was selected for this service. But before Greene could cross the 
Delaware, Lord Cornwallis approached fort Mercer, and the place 
was evacuted. 

Washington still hoped to recover much of what had been lost. 
A victory would restore the Jersey shore, and his instructions to 
General Greene indicated the expectation that he would be in a 
condition to fight Lord Cornwallis. 

That judicious officer feared the reproach of avoiding an ac- 
tion less than the just censure of sacrificing the real interests of 
his country by fighting on disadvantageous terms. The numbers 
of the British, unexpectedly augmented by the reinforcement from 
New York, exceeded his, even counting his militia as regulars ; 
and he determined to wait for Glover's brigade, w^hich was march- 
ing from the north. Before its arrival Lord Cornwallis took post 
on Gloucester Point, entireh/ under cover of the guns of the ships, 
from which place he was embarking his baggage and the provi- 
sions he had collected, for Philadelphia. 

Believing that Lord Cornwallis would immediately follow his 
magazines, and that the purpose of Sir William Howe was to 
attack the American army while divided. General Washington 
ordered General Greene to re-cross the Delaware and to join 
him. 

Thus, afi;er one continued and arduous struggle of more than 
six weeks, the British army secured itself in the possession of Phi- 
ladelphia, by opening a free communication with the fleet. 

The opinion that Sir William Howe meditated an attack on the 
American camp, was confirmed by unquestionable intelligence 
from Philadelphia. On the 4th of December, Captain M'Lane, a 
vigilant officer on the lines, discovered that this design was to be 
immediately carried into execution, and commiinicated his disco- 
very to the commander-in-chief. On the evening of the same day, 
General Howe marched out of Philadelphia with his v»1iole force ; 
and, about eleven at night, M'Lano, who had been detached with 
one hundred chosen men, attacked his van with some success at 
Three-Mile run, on the Gennantown road. He hovered on the 
front and flank of the advancing army until three next morning, 
when the British encamped on Chesnut Hill, in front of the Ame- 
rican right, and distant from it about three miles. The Pennsyl- 
vania militia, under General Irvine, had also engaged the advanced 
light parties of the enemy. The general was wounded, and the 
militia dispersed. 

The range of hills on which the British were encamped, ap- 

The Brifish having- now opened a communication with their shipping-, 
what enterprise was next undertaken by their commander ? Did the Ame- 
ricans get information of the design ? 



96 MARSHALL'S 

proached nearer to those occupied by the Americans as they 
stretched northward. 

Having passed the day in reconnoitring the right, Sir WilHam 
Howe changed his ground in the course of the night, and moving 
along the hills to his right, took an advantageous position in front 
of the American left. The next day he inclined still farther to 
his right, and approached still nearer to the left wing of the Ame- 
rican army. Supposing a general engagement to be approaching, 
Washington detached Gist, with some Maryland militia, and Mor- 
gan, with his rifle corps, to attack the flanking and advanced parties. 
A sharp action ensued, in which Major Morris, of Jersey, a brave 
officer in Morgan's regiment, was mortally wounded, and twenty- 
seven of his men were killed and w^ounded. A small loss was 
also sustained in the militia. The parties attacked were driven 
in ,• but the enemy reinforcing in numbers, and Washington, un- 
willing to move from the heights and engage on the ground which 
was the scene of this skirmish, declining to reinforce Gist and 
Morgan, they, in turn, were compelled to retreat. 

Sir William Howe continued to manoeuvre towards the flank 
and in front of the left wing of the American army. Expecting 
to be attacked in that quarter, Washington made such change in 
the disposition of his troops as the occasion required ; and the day 
was consumed in these movements. In the course of it, the Ame- 
rican chief rode through every brigade of his army, delivering his 
orders in person, exhorting his troops to rely principally on the 
bayonet, in the use of which weapon their higher ground would 
give them the advantage, and encouraging them by the steady 
firmness of his countenance, as well as by his words. The dis- 
positions of the evening indicated an intention to attack him next 
morning ; but, in the afternoon, the British suddenly filed ofl^ from 
their right, and retreated to Philadelphia. 

The loss of the British in this expedition rather exceeded one 
hundred men. It was sustained chiefly in the skirmish of the 7th, 
in which Major Morris fell. 

On no former occasion had the two armies met uncovered by 
works, with equal numbers. The effective force of Sir William^ 
Howe has been since stated by Mr. Stedman, who then belonged 
to his army, to have amounted to fourteen thousand. The Ame- 
rican army consisted of precisely twelve thousand one hundred 
and sixty-one regular troops, and three thousand two hundred and 
forty-one militia. This equality in point of numbers rendered it 
a prudent precaution to maintain a superiority of position. As the 
two armies occupied heights fronting each other, neither could 

When the enemy marched out of Philadelphia to attack the Americans, ' 
what evolutions took pluce ? Mention the details of the severe skirmish in 
which Major Morris was killed. Did a general battle ensue ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 97 

ttifack without giving its adversary some advantage in the ground; 
an advantage which neither seemed willing to relinquish. 

The return of Sir William Howe to Philadelphia without bring- 
ing on an action, after marching out with the avowed intention of 
fighting, is the best testimony of the respect he felt for his adver- 
sary. 

The cold was now becoming too intense for an army, neither 
well clothed, nor sufficiently supplied with blankets, longer to keep 
the field. It had become necessary to place the troops in winter 
quarters ; and the selection of a position had been a subject of se- 
rious reflection. They could not be placed in villages without un- 
covering the country, or -exposing them to the hazard of being 
beaten in detail. 

To avoid these calamities, it was determined to take a strong 
position in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, equally distant from 
the Delaware above and below that city ; and there to construct 
huts in the form of a regular encampment. A strong piece of 
ground at Valley Forge, on the west side of the Schuylkill, be- 
tween twenty and thirty miles from Philadelphia, was selected for 
that purpose ; and before day, on the morning of the 11th of De- 
cember, the army marched to take possession of it. Lord Corn- 
wallis had been detached on the morning of the same day to forage 
on the west side of the Schuylkill. He had dispersed a brigade 
of Pennsylvania militia under General Potter, and, pursuing the 
fugitives, had gained the heights opposite Matson's ford, and had 
posted troops to command the defile called the Gulf, just as the 
van of the American army reached the bank of the river. These 
positions had been taken without any knowledge of the approach 
of the American army, for the sole purpose of covering the forag- 
ing party. 

Apprehending that General Howe had taken the field with his 
whole army, Washington moved rather higher up the river for 
the purpose of discovering the real situation, force, and designs of 
the enemy. The next day Lord Cornwallis returned to Philadel- 
phia ; and, in the course of the night, the American army crossed 
the river. 

Here the commander-in-chief communicated to his army the 
arrangements intended for the winter. He expressed in strong 
terms his approbation of their conduct, exhorted them to bear with 
continuing fortitude the hardships inseparable from their situation, 
and assured them that those hardships were not imposed by ca- 
price, but were necessary (or the good of their country. 

The winter had set in with great severity, and the sufferings of 

What change of weather now admonished Washington of the necessity of 
providing shelter for his troops ? Where was the winter station fixed, and 
what movements were made to reach it ? 
9 



98 MARSHALL'S 

the army were extreme. They were, however, soon diminished 
by the erection of logged huts, which formed comfortable habita- 
tions, and satisfied men lonsj unused to the conveniences of life. 



CHAPTER X. 

Enquiry into the conduct of General Schuyler.— Burgoyne appears before Ticonderoga. 
—Evacuation of that place.— Of Skeen borough.— Def^'at of Colonel Warner. — Evacu- 
ation of Fort Anne.— Burgoyne approaches Fort Edward— Schuyler retires to Sara- 
toga.— To Stillwater.— St. Leger invests Fort Schuyler.— Herkimer defeated.— Colo- 
nel Baum detached to Bennington. — Is defeated. — Breckman defeated. — St. Leger 
abandons the siege of Fort Schuyler.— Gates take% command.— Burgoyne encamps on 
the heights of Saratoga.— Battle of Stillwater.— Of the 7th of October.— Burgoyne re- 
treats to Saratoga. — Capitulates.— The British take Forts Montgomery and Clinton, 
— Forts Independence and Constitution evacuated.— The British evacuate Ticon- 
deroga. 

While, with inferior numbers, General Washington maintained 
a stubborn contest in the middle states, events of great variety and 
importance were passing in the north. 

After Sir Guy Carlton had placed his army in winter quarters, 
General Burgoyne embarked for Europe, to assist in making ar- 
rangements for the ensuing campaign. The American army, 
having been formed for one year only, dissolved itself at the expi- 
ration of that time. 

The defence of this frontier was assigned to the regiments to 
be raised in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and the north-west- 
ern parts of New York ; but the recruiting service advanced so 
slowly, that the aid of the militia became indispensable ; and the 
plan of the campaign, on the part of the British, was involved in 
so much obscurity, that General Washington thought it advisable 
to direct eight of the regiments of Massachusetts to rendezvous at 
Peekskill. 

The services of General Schuyler had been more solid than 
brilliant. Prejudices against him had been manifested by Con- 
gress, and his head quarters had been fixed at Albany; while 
General Gates was ordered to take command at Ticonderoga. 
He had been detained in service only by the deep interest he felt 
in the contest. So soon as his fears for Ticonderoga were re- 
moved, he waited on Congress for the purposes of adjusting his 
accounts, obtaining an enquiry into his conduct, and supporting 
those necessary measures for defence in the north which were 
suggested by his knowledge of the country. The committee ap- 
pointed to enquire into his conduct, were so convinced of the im- 

Whilst Washington was contending with Howe in the middle states, was 
the war going on in the north ? What is said respecting the conduct and 
services of General Schuyler ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 99 

portance of his services, that Congress deemed it essential to the 
public interest, to prevail on him to remain in the army. The 
resolution fixing his head quarters at Albany, was repealed, and 
he was directed to proceed forthwith to the northern department, 
and take the command of it. 

On his arrival, he found the army not only too weak for its 
object, but destitute of military supplies. At the same time, a 
spy, who had been seized near Onion river, gave information 
that General Burgoyne was at Quebec, on the point of com- 
mencing his formidable plan of operations for the ensuing cam- 
paign. 

After completing his arrangements for defence at Ticonderoga, 
he hastened to Albany for the purpose of attending to his supplies, 
and of expediting the march of reinforcements. While occupied 
with these duties, he received intelligence from General St. Clair, 
who commanded at Ticonderoga during his absence, that Bur- 
goyne had appeared before that place. 

In the course of tlie preceding winter, a plan had been digested 
in the cabinet of London for penetrating to the Hudson, by the 
way of the Lakes. Burgoyne was to lead a formidable army 
against Ticonderoga; while a smaller party under Colonel St. 
Leger, composed chiefly of provincials, aided by a powerfal body 
of Indians, was to march from Oswego by the way of the Mo- 
hawk, and to join the grand army on the Fludson. 

Burgoyne reached Quebec as soon as the river v/as practicable, 
and appeared in full force on the river Bouquet, on the western 
banks of Lake Champlain, earlier than the American General 
had supposed to be possible. At this place he met the Indians in 
a grand council. In his speech delivered on this occasion, he en- 
deavored to impress on them the distinction between enemies in 
the field, and unarmed inhabitants, many of whom were friends. 
Addressing himself to their avarice, he promised rewards for pri- 
soners, but none for scalps. It was perhaps fortunate for Ame- 
rica, that these feeble restraints were disregarded. 

The royal army now advanced on both sides of the Lake, the • 
fleet preserving a communication between its divisions, and en- 
camped, on the first of July, within four miles of the American 
works. The next day they took possession of Mount Hope, which 
commanded part of the lines on the northern side, and cut off the 
communication with Lake George. The weakness of the gar- 
rison obliged General St. Clair to give up this post without a 
struggle. The British lines were then extended on the western 
side from the mountain to the Lake so as to inclose the garrison 

Mention the arrangements of General Schuyler for the northern campaign. 
What plan had been formed by the British ? State the first operations of 
Burgoyne, in its prosecution. 



100 MARSHALL'S 

on that side. Sugar Hill, which stands at the confluence of the 
waters that unite at Ticonderoga, and overlooks the fortress, 
had been thought inaccessible, was seized, and batteries con- 
structed on it which would be ready to open the next day. The 
garrison was not in a condition to check their operations. 

The situation of St. Clair was at its crisis. The place must be 
immediately evacuated, or maintained at the hazard of losing the 
garrison. 

Between these cruel alternatives. General St. Clair did not 
hesitate to choose the first ; and a council of general officers, con- 
vened on the 5th of July, unanimously advised the immediate 
evacuation of the fort. 

The invalids, and such stores as could be moved in the course 
of the night, were put on board batteaux, which proceeded under 
the guard of Colonel Long, up the river to Skeensborough ; and 
before day the main body of the army commenced its march to 
the same place. 

The orders given by General St. Clair to observe profound 
silence, and to set nothing on fire, were disobeyed ; and before 
the rear guard was in motion, the house which had been occupied 
by General de Fleury was in flames. This seemed as a signal 
to the besiegers, who immediately entered the works, and com- 
menced a rapid pursuit. 

The bridge, the beam, and those other works, the construction 
of which had employed ten months, were cut through by nine in 
the morning, so as to afford a passage for British vessels, which 
engaged the American galleys about three in the afternoon, near 
the falls of Skeensborough. It being discovered that three regi- 
ments had landed at some distance from the fort at that place, for 
the purpose of cutting off the retreat of its garrison, as well as 
that of the detachment in the boats and galleys, the works and 
vessels were set on fire, and the troops retired to fort Anne. The 
baggage and a great quantity of military stores were lost. 

General St. Clair reached Castletown, thirty miles from Ticon- 
deroga, on the night succeeding the evacuation of the fort. The 
rear guard under Colonel Warner, augmented to one thousand 
men by those who, from excessive fatigue, had fallen out of the 
line of march, halted six miles short of that place. 

The next morning at five they were attacked by General Frazer, 
at the head, of eight hundred and fifty men. The action was 
warm and well contested. Two regiments of militia, which lay 
within two miles of Colonel Warner, were ordered to his assist- 
ance. They consulted their own safety, and hastened to Castle- 

Against what fortress did the British army direct its force ? When Ticon- 
derog-a was abandoned by the Americans, in what direction and manner did 
they retire ? Relate the incidents of the pursuit. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 101 

town. While the acftion was maintained with equal spirit on both 
sides, General Reidisel arrived with his division of Germans, and 
the Americans were routed. 

Colonel Francis, several other officers, and upwards of two 
hundred men were left dead on the field. One Colonel, seven 
Captains, and two hundred and ten privates, were made prisoners. 
Near six hundred are supposed to have been wounded, many of 
whom must have perished in the woods. 

The British state their own loss at thirty-five killed, including 
one field-officer, and one hundred and forty-four wounded, includ- 
ing two Majors. It is scarcely credible, notv/ithstanding the dif- 
ference in arms, that the disparity in the killed could have been 
so considerable. 

St. Clair directed his march to Rutland, where he fell in with 
several soldiers who had been separated from their corps ; and 
two days afterwards, at Manchester, was joined by Warner with 
about ninety men. From this place he proceeded to fort Edward, 
where he met General Schuyler. 

After taking possession of Skeensborough, Burgoyne found it 
necessary to suspend the pursuit, and to halt a few days in order 
to reassemble and arrange his army. 

The ninth British regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Hill, had 
been detached against fort Anne ; and, the garrison of that place 
being in some force, two other regiments were ordered, under 
Brigadier- General Powell, to support the first party. Before his 
arrival. Colonel Long attacked the first party, and a sharp skir- 
mish ensued, the advantage in which was claimed by both parties. 
Hearing that a reinforcement was approaching, he set fire to the 
works at fort Anne, and retired to fort Edward. 

At Stillwater, on his way to Ticonderoga, General Schuyler 
was informed of the events which had taken place. No officer 
could have exerted more diligence and skill than he displayed. 
Having fixed his head quarters at fort Edward, he obstructed the 
navigation of Wood creek, and rendered the roads impassable. 
He was also indefatigable in driving the live-stock out of the way, 
and in bringing the military stores deposited at fort George to fort 
Edward. Colonel Warner was posted on the left flank of the 
British army, with instructions to raise the militia. 

The evacuation of Ticonderoga was a shock for which no part 
of the United States was prepared. Neither the strength of the 
invading army nor of the garrison had been understood. When, 
therefore, intelligence was received that a place believed to be of 
immense strength, which was considered as the key to the whole 

What was the loss of the two parties respectively, in an attack of General 
Frazer upon the Americans? Relate the progress of St, Clair's retre-it 
What was the impression made by these disasters ? 
9* 



102 MARSHALL'S 

north-western country, had been abandoned without a siege, that a 
large train of artillery had been lost, that the army, on its retreat, 
had been defeated and dispersed ; astonishment pervaded all ranks 
of men ; and the conduct of the officers was universally con- 
demned. Congress recalled all the generals of the department, 
and directed an enquiry into their conduct. Throughout New 
England especially, the most bitter aspersions were cast on them, 
and General Schuyler was involved in the common charge of 
treachery. 

On the representation of General Washington, the recall of the 
officers was suspended ; and on a full inquiry afterwards made, 
they were acquitted of all blame. 

A letter from St. Clair to the commander-in-chief, stating the 
motives for evacuating Ticonderoga, represented his garrison, in- 
cluding nine hundred militia entitled to a discharge, at three thou- 
sand effective rank and file. The lines required ten thousand to 
man them. He affirmed that his supply of provisions, which had 
been procured after General Schuyler resumed the command of 
the department, was sufficient for only twenty days, and that the 
works on the Ticonderoga side were incomplete. He justified the 
delay of evacuating the place by the prevalent opinion that the 
force in Canada was not sufficient to justify so hardy an enter- 
prise ; and by his orders, which were to defend it to the last ex- 
tremity. 

A court of inquiry justified his conduct, and he retained the 
confidence of the commander-in-chief 

General Washington made great exertions to reinforce the north- 
ern SiYmj, and to replace the military stores which had been lost. 
Through the dark gloom which enveloped the affairs of that de- 
partment, he discerned a ray of light which cheered his hope for 
the future ; and exhorted General Schuyler not to despair. On 
receiving a letter from that officer of the 11th, stating the divided 
situation of the British army, he seemed to anticipate the event 
which afterwards occurred, and to suggest the measure in which 
originated that torrent of misfortune with which the British general 
was overwhelmed. 

Afler collecting his army, Burgoyne proceeded with ardor on 
the remaining objects of the campaign. Such were the delays of 
opening Wood creek, and repairing the roads and bridges, that he 
did not reach the Hudson until the 14th of July. At this place it 
was necessary again to halt, in order to bring artillery, provisions, 
batteaux, and other articles, from fort George. 

Schuyler had received some reinforcements of continental troops 

Mention the decision of a court of enquiry, regarding the conduct of Gene- 
ral St. Clair. Did Washington still entertain hopes of successful operations 
against Burgoyne ? Mention the impediments to the progress of the invaders. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 103 

Crom Peekskill, but was not yet in a condition to face his enemy. 
He therefore crossed the Hudson and retreated to Stillwater, not 
far from the mouth of the Mohawk. General Lincoln was ordered 
to join him with a corp of militia assembling at Manchester, and 
he fortified his camp in the hope of being able to defend it. 

At this place information was obtained that Burgoyne had eva- 
cuated Castletown, and that his communication with Ticonderoga, 
whence his supplies were chiefly drawn, was insecure. The or- 
ders to General Lincoln were countermanded, and he was directed 
to place himself, with all the militia he could assemble, in the rear 
of the British army, and to cut off its communication with the 
lakes. Here, too, he was informed that Colonel St. Leger, rein- 
forced with a large body of Indians, had penetrated to the Mo- 
hawk, had laid siege to fort Schuyler, and had totally defeated 
General Herkimer, who had raised the militia of Tryon county 
in the hope of relieving the fort. The importance of preventing 
the junction of St. Leger with Burgoyne, determined Schuyler to 
detach General Arnold with three continental regiments to raise 
the siege. This measure so weakened the army as to render its 
removal to a place of greater security indispensable ; and it was 
withdrawn to some islands at the confluence of the Moliawk with 
the Hudson. 

On the 3d of August, St. Leger invested fort Schuyler. The 
garrison consisted of six hundred continental troops, commanded 
by Colonel Gansevoort. The besieging army rather exceeded 
fifteen hundred, of whom between fi.ve and six hundred were In- 
dians. General Herkimer assembled the militia of Tryon county, 
and gave notice, on the mornuig of the 6th, of his intention to 
force a passage that day through the besieging army. Gansevoort 
drew out two hundred men under Lieutenant- Colonel Willet, to 
favor the execution of this design by a sortie. 

Unfortunately, St. Leger received information the preceding day 
of Herkimer's approach, and, early in the morning, placed a strong 
party in ambuscade on the road along which he was to march. 
Herkimer's first notice was given by a heavy discharge of small- 
arms, which was followed by a furious attack from the Indians 
with their tomahawks. He defended himself with resolution, but 
was defeated with the loss of four hundred men. The destiuction 
was prevented from being still more complete by the timely sortie 
made by Colonel Willet. He fell on the camp of the besiegers, 
routed them at the first onset ; and, after driving them into the 
woods, returned without the loss of a man. This checked the 
pursuit of Herkimer, and recalled those engaged in it to the de- 
fence of their own camp. 

What fort was besieged by the British ? Mention the American officer 
who attempted to relieve the fort. Did he succeed in this endeavor ? 



104 MARSHALL'S 

Burgoyne was aware of the advantage of effecting a junction 
with St. Leger, by an immediate and rapid movement down the 
Hudson ; but the obstacles to his progress multiplied daily, and 
each step produced new embarrassments. The increasing diffi- 
culty of communicating with fort George furnished strong induce- 
ments to attempt some other mode of supply. 

Large magazines of provisions were collected at Bennington, 
which place was generally guarded by militia, whose numbers 
varied from day to day. The possession of these magazines, and 
the means of transportation which might be acquired in the coun- 
try, would enable him to prosecute his ulterior plans without rely- 
ing on supplies from Lake George, and he determined to seize 
them. To try the affections of the people, to complete a corps of 
loyalists, and to mount Reidisel's dragoons, were subordinate ob- 
jects of the expedition. Lieutenant- Colonel Baum, with five hun- 
dred Europeans, and a body of loyalists, was detached on this 
service. 

To facilitate the enterprise, Burgoyne moved down the east side 
of the Hudson. His van crossed the river on a bridge of rafls, 
and took post at Saratoga. Lieutenant-Colonel Brechman, with his 
corps, was, advanced to Batten Hill, in order to support Baum. 

On approaching Bennington, Baum discovered that the New 
Hampshire militia, commanded by General Starke, had reached 
that place on their way to camp ; and, uniting with Colonel 
Warner, amounted to about two thousand men. He halted four 
miles from Bennington, fortified his camp, and despatched an ex- 
press for a reinforcement. Lieutenant-Colonel Brechman was im- 
mediately ordered to his assistance, but such was the state of the 
roads, that though he marched at eight in the morning of the 15th, 
he could not reach the ground on which Baum had encamped 
until four in the afternoon of the next day. 

In the mean time General Starke determined to attack him in 
his entrenchments. The American troops were mistaken by the 
loyalists for armed friends coming to join them. Baum soon dis- 
covered the error, and made a gallant defence ; but his works 
were carried by storm, and great part of his detachment killed or 
taken prisoners. Brechman arrived during the pursuit, and gained 
some advantage over the disordered militia engaged in it. Fortu- 
nately Colonel Warner came up at this critical juncture with his 
continental regiment, and restored and continued the action, until 
the militia reassembled, and came to his support. Brechman main- 
tained the action till dark, when, abandoning his artillery and 
baggage, he saved his party under cover of the night. 

Mention the difficulties which began to environ Burgoyne. Did he at- 
tempt to possess himself of the American magazines of provisions ? What 
success attended the effort ? Describe the encounter. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 105 

One thousand stand of arms, nine hundred swords, thirty-two 
officers, and five hundred and sixty-four privates, were the known 
fruits of this victory. The number of dead was not ascertained, 
because the battle with Brechman had been fought in the woods, 
and been continued for several miles. 

This success was soon followed by another of equal influence 
on the fate of the campaign. 

Fort Schuyler had been fortified with more skill, and was defend- 
ed with more courage than St. Leger had expected. The Indians 
became intractable, and manifested great disgust with the service. 
In this temper they understood that Arnold was advancing with 
a large body of troops, and that Burgoyne had been defeated. 
Unwilling to share the misfortunes of their friends, they manifested 
a determination not to await the arrival of Arnold. Many of 
them decamped immediately, and the rest threatened to follow. 

The time for deliberation was past. The camp was broken up 
with indications of excessive alarm. 

The victory at Bennington and the flight of St. Leger, however 
important in themselves, were still more so in their consequences. 
An army which had spread terror in every direction, was consid- 
ered as already beaten. The great body of the people were en- 
couraged, the disaffected became timid, and the wavering were 
deterred from putting themselves and their fortunes in hazard to 
support an army whose fate was so uncertain. 

The barbarities which had been perpetrated by the Indians ex- 
t cited still more resentment than terror ; and their influence on the 
royal cause was the more sensibly felt because they had been in- 
discriminate. But other causes of still greater influence were in 
operation. The last reinforcements of continental troops arrived 
in camp ; the harvest, which had detained the northern militia, 
was over ; and General Schuyler, w^hose eminent services had not 
exempted him from the imputation of being a traitor, was suc- 
ceeded by General Gates, who possessed a large share of the 
public confidence, and who had been directed by Congress to talce 
command of the northern department. 

Schuyler continued his exertions to restore the affairs of the 
north until the arrival of his successor, though he felt acutely the 
disgrace and injury of being recalled at that crisis of the campaign 
i when the fairest prospect of victory opened to his view. 

Notwithstanding the difficulties which multiplied around him, 

Burgoyne remained steady to his purpose. Having collected pro- 

'i visions for thii'ty days, he crossed the river on the 13th and 14th 

of September, and encamped on the heights and plains of Saratoga, 

What salutary consequences flowed from the American victory at Ben- 
nington ? Who superseded General Schuyler in the command of the 
northern army ? Did Burgoyne still persevere in his design ? 



106 MARSHALL'S 

with a determination to decide the fate of the expedition by a battle. 
General Gates had advanced to the neighborhood of Stillwater. 

On the night of the 17th, Burgoyne encamped within four miles 
of the American army; and on the morning of the 19th, advanced 
m full force towards its left. Morgan was immediately detached 
to harass his front and flanks. He attacked and drove in a piquet 
in front of the right wing ; but, pursuing with too much ardor, he 
was met in considerable force, and compelled in turn to retreat in 
some disorder. Two regiments being sent to his assistance, his 
corps was rallied, and the action became more general. Rein- 
forcements were continually brought up ; and, and by four in the 
afternoon, upwards of three thousand American troops were 
already engaged with the right wing of the British army, com- 
manded by General Burgoyne in person. The conflict was ex- 
tremely severe, and only terminated with the day. At night the 
Americans retired to their camp, and the British lay on their arms 
near the field of battle. 

The killed and wounded on the part of the Americans, were 
between three and four hundred. Among the former were Colonels 
Coburn and Adams, and several other valuable officers. The 
British loss has been estimated at rather more than five hundred 
men. The Indians, beaten in the woods by Morgan, and restrained 
from scalping and plundering the unarmed by Burgoyne, seeing 
before them the prospect of hard fighting without profit, grew tired 
of the service, and deserted in great numbers. The Canadians 
and Provincials were not much more faithful ; and Burgoyne per- 
ceived that his hopes must rest on his European troops. With 
reason, therefore, this action was celebrated throughout the United 
States as a victory. 

General Lincoln had assembled a considerable body of militia 
in the rear of Burgoyne, from which he drew three parties of five 
hundred men each. One, under the command of Colonel Brown, 
was to proceed against a small fort at the north end of Lake 
George, where some American prisoners were confined. The se- 
cond, commanded by Colonel Johnson, was to march against 
Mount Independence ; and the third, under Colonel Woodbury, 
was detached to Skeensborough to cover the retreat of both the 
others. With the residue, Lincoln proceeded to the camp of Gates. 

Brown surprised the post on Lake George, and also took pos- 
session of Mount Defiance and Mount Flope. He liberated one 
hundred American prisoners, and captured two hundred and ninety- 
three of the enemy, with the loss of three killed and five wounded. 

Colonel Johnson attacked Mount Independence, but was repuls- 
ed ; after which, all the parties returned to their former station. 

State the particulars of the battle of Stillwater. Wliat loss was sustained 
on each side ? What movements now took place in the rear of Burgoyne ' 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 107 

The day after the battle of Stillwater, Burgoyne took a position 
almost within cannon-shot of the American camp, fortified his 
right, and extended his left to the river. Here he received a letter 
from Sir Henry Clinton, stating that he should attack fort Mont- 
gomery about the 2 0th of September. 

Both armies retained their position until the 7th of October, 
when Burgoyne, having heard nothing farther from Sir Henry, 
and being reduced to the necessity of diminishing his rations, de- 
termined to make one more trial of strength with his adversary. 
For this purpose, he drew out fifteen hundred choice troops on his 
right, whom he commanded in person, assisted by Generals Phi- 
lips, Reidisel, and Frazer. They formed within three quarters of 
a mile of the left of the American camp ; and a corps of rangers, 
provincials, and Indians, was pushed forward through secret paths 
to show themselves in its rear. 

On perceiving these movements. Gates determined to attack 
their left, front, and right flank at the same time. Poor's brigade, 
and some regiments from New Hampshire, were ordered to meet 
them in front, while Morgan, with his rifle corps, made a circuit 
unperceived, and seized a height covered with wood on their right. 
The attack was made in front and on the left in great force, and 
at the same instant Morgan poured in a deadly fire on the front 
and right flank. 

While the British right was thus closely pressed, a distinct corps 
was ordered to intercept its retreat to camp. Burgoyne, perceiving 
its danger, formed a second line with the light infantry, under 
General Frazer, and part of the twenty-fourth regiment, for its se- 
curity. While this movement was in progress, the left was forced 
from its ground, and the light infantry was ordered to its aid. In 
the attempt to execute this order, they were attacked by Morgan, 
and Frazer was mortally wounded. Overpowered by numbers, 
Burgoyne regained his camp with the loss of his field-pieces, and 
great part of his artillery corps. The Americans followed clos-e 
in his rear, and assaulted his works throughout their whole extent 
The entrenchments were forced on their right ; and General Ar- 
nold, with a few men, entered their works ; but his horse being 
killed under him, and himself wounded, the troops were forced out 
of them ; and the night put an end to the assault. The left of 
Arnold's division was stilt more successful. Jackson's regiment, 
of Massachusetts, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Brooks, turned the 
right of the encampment, and stormed the works occupied by the 
German reserve. Lieutenant-Colonel Brechman was killed, and 
the works carried. Darkness put an end to the action, and the 

Describe the position of Burgoyne. In what manner was the battle of 
Saratoga brought on ? Relate the details of its progress, and mention its 
general result. Wliat terminated the action ? 



108 MARSHALL'S 

Americans lay all night on their arms, about half a mile from the 
British lines. 

Burgoyne changed his position in the night, and drew his whole 
army into a strong camp on the river heights, extending his right 
up the river. 

General Gates was not disposed to attack him on this strong 
ground. He detached a party higher up the Hudson to intercept 
the British army on its retreat ; and posted strong corps on the 
other side of the river to guard its passage. 

Burgoyne retired to Saratoga, from which place he detached a 
company of artificers, under a strong escort, to repair the roads 
and bridges towards fort Edward. This detachment had scarcely 
moved, when the Americans appeared in force, and threatened his 
camp. The Europeans escorting the artificers were recalled ; and 
a provincial corps employed in the same service being attacked, 
ran away, and left the workmen to shift for themselves. 

The British army was now almost completely environed by a 
superior force, and its difficulties and dangers were continually in- 
creasing. A council of general officers took the bold resolution to 
abandon every thing but their arms, and such provisions as the 
soldiers could carry, and force their way to fort George. 

Gates had anticipated this movement ; and had placed strong 
guards at the fords of the Hudson, and form.ed an entrenched 
camp on the high grounds between fort Edward and fort George. 
The scouts sent to examine the route returned with this informa- 
tion, and the plan was abandoned. 

In this hopeless condition, a negotiation was opened by a pro- 
position from General Burgoyne, which was answered by a demand 
that the whole army should surrender themselves prisoners of 
war. This demand was peremptorily rejected, but a convention 
was signed on the 17th of October, stipulating that the British 
army, after marching out of their encampment with all the honors 
of war, should lay down their arms, and not serve against the 
United States till exchanged. They were to be permitted to em- 
bark for England. 

These terms were probably more advantageous than would have 
been granted by Gates, had he entertained no apprehensions from 
Sir Henry Clinton, who was, at length, making his promised di- 
version on the North river, up which he had penetrated as far as 
^sopus and its dependencies. 

The drafts made from Peekskill had left that post and its de- 
pendencies in a situation to require the aid of militia for their se- 
curity. The requisitions of Putnam were complied with ; but the 

What was the situation of Burgoyne, after the battle of Saratoga? In 
what way was it projected to escape, and what obstacle was interposed by 
Gates ? Mention the terms of Burgoyne's capitulation. 



d' 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 109 

itack being delayed, the militia became impatient, many deserted, 
and General Putnam was induced to discharge the residue. 

Governor Clinton ordered out half the militia of New York ; but 
this order was executed so slowly, that the forts were carried before 
the militia were in the field. 

Forts Montgomery and Clinton had been constructed on the 
west of the Hudson, on very high ground, extremely difficult of 
access. To prevent ships from passing the forts, chevaux-de-frise 
had been sunk in the river, and a boom extended from bank to 
bank, which was covered with immense chains stretched at some 
distance in its front. These works were defended by the guns of 
the forts, and by a frigate and galleys stationed above them. 

Fort Independence was four or five miles below forts Montgo- 
mery and Clinton, on the opposite side of the river ; and fort Con- 
stitution rather more than six miles above them. Peekskill, the 
head quarters of the commanding officer, is just below fort Inde- 
pendence, on the same side of the river. The garrisons had been 
reduced to six hundred men ; and the whole force of Putnam did 
not much exceed two thousand. This force, if properly applied, 
was more than competent to the defence of the forts against any 
numbers which could be spared from New York. To ensure suc- 
cess, it was necessary to draw the attention of Putnam from the 
real object, and to storm the works before the garrisons could be 
aided by his army. This Sir Henry Clinton accomplished. 

Between three and four thousand men embarked at New York, 
and landed, on the 5th of October, at Verplank's Point, a short 
distance below Peekskill, upon which General Putnam retired to 
the heights in his rear. Oa the evening of the same day, a part 
of these troops re-embarked, and landed the next morning, at 
break of day, at Stony Point, and commenced their march through 
the mountains hito the rear of forts Clinton and Montgomery. In 
the mean time the manosuvres of the vessels, and the appearance 
of a small detachment at Verplank's, persuaded General Putnam 
that the meditated attack was on fort Independence. The real 
designs of the enemy were not suspected until a heavy firing from 
the other side of the river announced the assault on the forts. 
Five hundred men were immediately detached to reinforce the 
garrison ; but before they could cross the river, the forts were in 
possession of the British. 

Both posts were assaulted about five in the afternoon. The 
works were defended until dark, when, the lines being too exten- 
sive to be completely manned, the assailants entered them in dif- 

Describe the situation of the four forts whereby the Americans defended 
the passage up the North river. What movements of the British were di- 
rected against these posts, and with what success ? 
10 



no MARSHALL'S 

ferent places. Some of the garrison were made prisoners, while 
their better knowledge of the country enabled others to escape. 
Governor Clinton passed the river in a boat ; and General James 
Clinton, though wounded in the thigh by a bayonet, also made his 
escape. The loss sustained by the garrison was about two hun- 
dred and filly men- That of the assailants was rather less than 
two hundred. 

The continental vessels of war lying above the boom and chains 
were burnt ; forts Independence and Constitution were evacuated ; 
and Putnam retreated to Fishkill. General Vaughan, after burn- 
ing Continental village, proceeded up the river to Draper's, which 
he also destroyed. 

General Putnam, whose army had been augmented by militia 
to six thousand men, detached General Parsons with two thousand 
to re-possess himself of Peekskill, and of the passes in the High- 
lands, while he watched the progress of the enemy up the river. 
Gates, on the capitulation of Burgoyne, had detached five thou- 
sand men to his aid. Before their arrival General Vaughan had 
returned to New York, whence a reinforcement to General Howe 
was about to sail. 

The army which surrendered at Saratoga, exceeded five thou- 
sand men. On marching from Ticonderoga it was estimated at 
nine thousand. In addition to this great military force, the Ame- 
ricans acquired a fine train of artillery, seven thousand stand of 
excellent arms, clothing for seven thousand recruits, with tents 
and other military stores to a considerable amount. 

The thanks of Congress were voted to General Gates and his 
army; and a medal of gold, in commemoration of this great 
event, was ordered to be struck and presented to him by the Pre- 
sident in the name of the United States. Colonel Wilkinson, his 
Adjutant-General, whom he strongly recommended, was appointed 
Brigadier- General by brevet. 

Soon after the capitulation of Burgoyne, Ticonderoga and 
Mount Independence were evacuated, and the garrison retired to 
Isle aux Noix and St. Johns. 

What acts of injury were inflicted on the villages of the North river, by 
the British troops from New York ? What aid was sent to this quarter by 
Putnam and Gates ? Did the enemy retire ? Mention the acquisitions of 
the Americans from the capture of Burgoyne. In what manner did Con- 
gress testify their approbation ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Ill 



CHAPTER XI. 

Distresses of the army.— It is subsisted by impressment.— Combination against Gen- 
eral Washington. — Congress send a committee to camp. — Attempt to surprise Cap- 
tain Lee.— Congress determines on a second expedition to Canada.— Abandons it.— 
General Conway resigns.— The Baron Steuben appointed Inspector-General.— Con- 
gress forbids the embarkation of Burgoyne's army. — Plan of reconciliation agreed to 
in Parliament.— Rejected by Congress.— Information of treaties with France.— 
Great Britain declares war against France. — Treatment of prisoners.— Partia 
exchange. 

The army under the immediate command of General Wash- 
ington, was engaged through the winter in endeavoring to stop the 
intercourse between Philadelphia and the country. One of the 
first operations meditated after crossing the Schuylkill, was the 
destruction of a large quantity of hay, on the islands above the 
mouth of Darby Creek, within the power of the British. Early 
in the morning, after orders for this purpose had been y. ,^0 
given, Sir William Howe marched out of Philadelphia, ^^* 
and encamped so as completely to cover the islands ; while a 
foraging party removed the hay, Washington, with the intention 
of disturbing this operation, gave orders for putting his army in 
motion, when the alarming fact was disclosed that the commis- 
sary's stores were exhausted, and that the last ration had been de- 
livered and consumed. 

On receiving intelligence of the fact. General Washington or- 
dered the country to be scoured, and provisions to be seized 
wherever found. In the mean time, light parties were detached to 
harass the enemy ; but Sir William Howe, with his accustomed 
circumspection, kept his army so compact that an opportunity to 
annoy him was seldom afforded even to the vigilance of Morgan 
and Lee. After completing his forage, he returned with incon- 
siderable loss to Philadelphia. 

That the American army, while the value still retained by 
paper bills placed ample funds in the hands of government, should 
be destitute of food in a country abounding with provisions, is one 
of those extraordinary facts which cannot fail to excite attention. 

Early in the war the office of Commissary-General had been 
conferred on Colonel Trumbull of Connecticut, a gentleman fitted 
for that important station. Yet from the difficulty of arranging 
so complicated a department, complaints were repeatedly made of 
the insufficiency of supplies. The subject was taken up by Con- 
gress ; but the remedy administered served only to increase the 
disease. The system was not completed till near midsummer; 

The British possessing Philadelphia, in what way did Washington en- 
deavor to annoy them ? What circumstance prevented his efficient action ? 
What is to be said respecting the scarcity of food in the American camp ? 



112 MARSHALL'S 

and then its arrangements were such that Colonel Trumbull re- 
fused the office assigned to him. The new plan contemplated a 
number of subordinate officers, all to be appointed by Congress, 
and neither accountable to, or removeable by, the head of the de- 
partment. 

This imperium in imperlo, erected in direct opposition to the 
opinion of the commander-in-chief, drove Colonel Trumbull from 
the army. Congress, however, persisted in the system ; and its 
effects were not long in unfolding themselves. In every military 
division of the continent, loud complaints were made of the de- 
ficiency of supplies. The armies were greatly embarrassed, and 
their movements suspended, by the want of provisions. The pre- 
sent total failure of all supply was preceded by issuing meat unfit 
to be eaten. Representations on this subject had been made to 
the commander-in-chief, and communicated to Congress. That 
body had authorized him to seize provisions for the use of his 
army within seventy miles of head-quarters, and to pay for them 
in money or in certificates. The odium of this measure was in- 
creased by the failure of government to provide funds to take up 
these certificates v/hen presented. 

At the same time, the provisions carried into Philadelphia were 
paid for in specie at a fair price. The temptation was too great 
to be resisted. Such was the dexterity employed by the inhabit- 
ants in eluding the laws, that notwithstanding the vigilance of the 
troops stationed on the lines, they often succeeded in concealing 
their provisions from those authorized to impress for the army, 
and in conveying them to Philadelphia. 

General Washington exercised the powers confided to him only 
in real necessity ; and Congress appeared to be as much dissatified 
with his lenity as the people were with his rigour. His forbearance 
was disapproved, and instructions given for the regular exertion, 
in future, of the power with which he was invested. 

Though still retaining his opinion that such violent measures 
would be less offensive if executed by the civil authority, he issued 
a proclamation, in obedience to the will of Congress, requiring the 
farmers, within seventy miles of head quarters, to thresh out one 
half of their grain by the 1st of February, and the residue by the 
1st of March, under the penalty of having the whole seized as 
straw. 

The success of this experiment did not correspond with the 
wishes of Congress. It was attended with the pernicious conse- 
quences which had been foreseen and suggested by the General, 
to avoid which he had been desirous of reserving military impress- 
ment as a dernier resort, to be used only in extreme cases. 

What vigorous measure for the procurement of provisions was authorized 
by the American Congress ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 113 

About this time a strong combination was forming against the 
commander-in-chief, in which several members of Congress, and 
a very few officers of the army, are beheved to have entered. 

The splendour with which the capture of a British army had 
surrounded the military reputation of General Gates, acquired 
some advocates for the opinion that the arms of America would be 
more fortunate should that gentleman be elevated to the supreme 
command. He could not be supposed hostile himself to the pre- 
valence of this opinion ; and some parts of his conduct warrant a 
belief that, if it did not originate with him, he was not among the 
last to adopt it. 

The state of Pennsylvania, too, chagrined at the loss of its ca- 
pital, furnished many discontented individuals. They imputed it 
to General Washington as a fault that, with forces inferior to his 
enemy in numbers, and in every equipment, he had not effected 
the same result which had been produced in the north by a conti- 
nental army, in itself much stronger than its adversary, and so 
reinforced by militia as to treble its numbers. On the report that 
General Washington was moving into winter quarters, the Legis- 
lature of that state addressed a remonstrance to Congress on the 
subject, manifesting their dissatisfaction with the commander-in 
chief. About the same time a new Board of War was created, ot 
which General Gates was appointed president ; and General 
Mifflin, who was supposed to be of the party unfriendly to the 
commander-in-chief, was one of its members. General Conway, 
the only brigadier in the army who had joined this faction, was 
appointed Inspector- General, and was promoted above senior bri- 
gadiers, to the rank of Major-General. 

These machinations to diminish the well-earned reputation of 
General Washington, could not escape his notice. They made, 
however, no undue impression on his steady mind. When he un- 
bosomed himself to his private friends, the feelings and sentiments 
he expressed were worthy of Washington. To Mr. Laurens, the 
President of Congress, who, in an unofficial letter, had communi- 
cated an anonymous accusation, made to him as president, con- 
taining many heavy charges against the commander-in-chief, he 
said, " I was not unapprised that a malignant faction had been for 
some time forming to my prejudice, which, conscious as I am of 
having done all in my power to answer the important purposes of 
the trusts reposed in me, could not but give me some pain on a 
personal account ; but my chief concern arises from an apprehen- 
sion of the dangerous consequences which intestine dissensions 
may produce to the common cause." * * * 

What machinations were formed against the commander-in-chief? Bj 
whom were they chiefly promoted ? In what manner did Washington ex 
press himself on this subject ? 

10* 



114 MARSHALL'S 

" The anonymous paper handed you exhibits many serious 
charges, and it is my wish that it may be submitted to Con- 
gress." * * * 

" My enemies take an ungenerous advantage of me. They 
know the dehcacy of my situation, and that motives of pohcy de- 
prive me of the defence I might otherwise make against their in- 
sidious attacks. They know I cannot combat their insinuations, 
however injurious, without disclosing secrets it is of the utmost 
moment to conceal." * * * 

Fortunately for America, these combinations only excited re- 
sentment against those who were believed to be engaged in them. 

Soon after they were communicated, the General also discover- 
ed the failure, already mentioned, in the commissary department. 
On this occasion he addressed Congress in terms of energy and 
plainness never used before. This letter contains a faithful as well 
as vivid description of the condition of the army and of the country. 

The distresses it describes, however, so far as respected cloth- 
ing, were not attributable to the inattention of Congress. Measures 
for the importation of cloths had been adopted early in the war, 
but had not produced the effect expected from them. Vigorous 
but ineffectual means had also been taken to obtain supplies from 
the interior. The unfortunate non-importation agreements which 
preceded the commencement of hostilities, had reduced the quan- 
tity of goods in the country below the ordinary amount, and the 
war had almost annihilated foreign commerce. The progress of 
manufactures did not equal the consumption ; and such was the 
real scarcity, that exactions from individuals produced great dis- 
tress, without relieving the wants of the soldiers. 

To recruit the army for the ensuing campaign became again an 
object of vital importance ; and the commander-in-chief again 
pressed its necessity on Congress and on the states. To obtain a 
respectable number of men by voluntary enlistment was obviously 
hnpossible. Coercion could be employed only by the state govern- 
ments ; and it required all the influence of General Washington 
to induce the adoption of a measure so odious in itself, yet so in- 
dispensable to the successful termination of the war. 

To the causes which had long threatened the destruction of the 
army, the depreciation of paper-money was now to be added. It 
had become so considerable, that the pay of an officer would not 
procure even those absolute necessaries which might protect his 
person from the extremes of heat and cold. The very few who 
possessed small patrimonial estates found them melting away ; and 
others were unable to appear as gentlemen. Such circumstances 

Was the scheme of supplanting the commander-in-chief attended with 
success? Mention the causes which led to a scarcity of manufactured arti- 
cles. What is said respecting recruits, and the depreciation of paper-money ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. llS 

could not fail to excite disgust with the service, and a disposition 
to leave it. 

With extreme anxiety the commander-in-chief watched the 
progress of a temper which would increase, he feared, with the 
cause which produced it. He was therefore early and earnest in 
pressing the consideration of this important subject on the atten- 
tion of Congress. 

The weak and broken condition of the continental regiments, 
the strong remonstrances of the General, the numerous complaints 
received from every quarter, determined Congress to depute a 
committee to reside in camp during the winter, for the purpose of 
investigating the whole military establishment, and reporting such 
reforms as the public good might require. 

This committee repaired to head quarters in the month ^ ^,-,0 
of January. The commander-in-chief laid before them a 
general statement, taking a compi'ehensive view of the condition 
of the army, and detailing the remedies necessary for the correc- 
tion of existing abuses, as well as those regulations which he 
deemed essential to its future prosperity. This paper discloses 
defects of real magnitude in the existing arrangements. In pe- 
rusing it, the reader is struck with the numerous difficulties in ad- 
dition to those resulting from inferiority of numbers, with which 
the commander-in-chief was under the necessity of contending. 
The neglect of the very serious representation it contained re- 
specting a future permanent provision for the officers, threatened, 
at an afler period, the most pernicious effects. 

The wants and distresses of the army actually seen by the 
committee, made a much deeper impression than could have been 
received from a statement of them. They endeavored to com- 
municate their impressions to Congress, and urged a correction of 
the errors they perceived. 

Much of the sufferings of the army was attributed to misman- 
agement in the quarter-master's department. This subject was 
taken up early by the committee, and proper representations made 
respecting it. But Congress still remained under the influence of 
those opinions which had produced such mischievous effects, and 
were still disposed to retain the subordinate officers of the depart- 
ment in a state of immediate dependence on their own body. 

While the reforms proposed were under consideration, the dis- 
tresses of the army approached their acme. Early in February 
the commissaries gave notice that the country, to a great distance, 
was actually exhausted ; and that it would be impossible to obtain 
supplies longer than to the end of that month. General Wash- 
Mention the method adopted by Congress to obtain exact information re- 
specting the distresses of the army. What was communicated by this com' 
mittee ? State the extent of the destitution. 



116 MARSHALL'S 

ington found it necessary again to interpose his personal exertions 
to procure provisions from a distance. 

In the apprehension that the resources of the commissary de- 
partment might fail before these distant supplies could reach him, 
and that the enemy designed to make another foraging incursion 
into the country around Philadelphia, he detached General Wayne 
with orders to seize every article required by his troops within 
lifleen miles of the Delaware, and to destroy the forage on the 
islands between Philadelphia and Chester. The inhabitants con- 
cealed their provisions and teams ; and before sufficient aid could 
be procured by these means, the bread as well as the meat was 
exhausted, and famine prevailed in camp. 

In an emergency so pressing, the commander-in-chief used 
every effort to feed his hungry army. Parties were sent out to 
glean the country ; officers of influence were deputed to Jersey, 
Delaware, and Maryland ; and circular letters were addressed to 
the Governors of States, describing the wants of the troops, and 
urging the greatest exertions for their immediate relief. 

Fortunately for America, there were features in the character 
of Washington which, notwithstanding the discordant materials 
of which his army was composed, attached his officers and sol- 
diers so strongly to his person, that no distress could weaken their 
affection nor impair the respect and veneration in which they held 
him. To this sentiment is to be attributed, in a great measure, 
the preservation of a respectable military force, under circum- 
stances but too well calculated for its dissolution. 

In a few days the army was rescued from the famine with 
which it had been threatened. It was perceived that the difficul- 
ties which had produced such melancholy effects, were occasioned 
more by the want of due exertion in the commissary department, 
and by the efforts of the people to save their stock for a better 
market, than by a real deficiency of food in the 'country. 

This same demonstration seems to have convinced Congress 
that their favorite system was radically vicious ; and the subject 
was taken up with the serious intention of remodelling the com- 
missaiy department on principles recommended by experience. 
But such were the delays inherent in the organization of that 
body, that the new system was not adopted until late in April. 

The vigilance of the parties on the lines throughout the winter 
intercepted a large portion of the supplies intended for Philadel- 
phia ; and corporal punishment was often inflicted on those who 
were detected in attempting this infraction of the laws. As Cap- 
tain Lee was particularly active, a plan was formed late in January 

Mention the circumstance that had so great an influence in reconciling 
the American troops to their numerous privations. Were they able to in- 
tercept supplies intended for the British ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 117 

to surprise him in his quarters. A large body of cavalry, having 
made an extensive circuit and seized four of his patroles without 
communicating an alarm, appeared at his quarters about break of 
day. The troopers in the houses were immediately placed at tho 
doors and windows, and, without the loss of a man, repulsed th(; 
assailants. Lieutenant Lindsay and one private were wounded. 
The whole number in the house did not exceed ten. That of the 
British was supposed to be two hundred. They lost a serjeant 
and three men, with several horses killed ; and an officer and 
three men wounded. 

The result of this affair gave great pleasure to the commander- 
in-chief, who had formed a high opinion of Lee's talents as a par- 
tisan. He mentioned it with approbation in his orders, and in a 
private letter to the Captain. For his merit through the preceding 
campaign. Congress promoted him to the rank of Major, and gave 
him an independent partisan corps, to consist of three troops of 
horse. 

While the deficiency of the public resources was felt in all the 
military departments, a plan was matured in Congress and in the 
board of war, for a second irruption into Canada. It was pro- 
posed to place the Marquis de Lafayette at the head of this expe- 
dition, and to employ Generals Conway and Starke as second and 
third in command. 

The first intimation to General Washington that the expedition 
was contemplated, was given in a letter of the 24th of January, 
from the President of the board of war, inclosing one of the same 
date for the Marquis, requiring the attendance of that nobleman 
on Congress to receive his orders. The commander-in-chief was 
requested to furnish Colonel Hazen's regiment for the expedition ; 
his advice and opinion respecting which were asked. The northern 
States were to furnish the necessary troops. 

General Washington, without noticing the marked want of con 
fidence betra3red in this whole transaction, ordered Hazen's regi- 
ment to Albany ; and the Marquis proceeded immediately to the 
seat of Congress. At liis request, he was to remain under the or- 
ders of Washington. He then repaired to Albany, where the 
troops for the expedition were to assemble. On finding that no 
preparations had been made, that nothing which had been pro- 
mised was in readiness, he abandoned the enterprise as impracti- 
cable. It was soon afterwards relinquished by Congress also 

While his army lay at Valley Forge, the Baron Steuben arrived 
in camp. This gentleman was a Prussian officer, who came to 
the United States with ample recommendations, and was well 

What expedition, without the knowledg'e of Washington, was now pro- 
jected ? Was it persisted in, or abandoned ? Who was the foreign officer 
of distinction, that now offered his services to Congress ? 



liy MARSHALL'S 

qualified to instruct raw troops in that system of field exercise 
which the great P'rederick had introduced. He offered to render 
his services as a volunteer ; and, after a conference with Congress, 
proceeded to Valley Forge. 

Although the office of Inspector- General had been bestowed on 
Conway, he had never entered on its duties. His promotion over 
senior officers had given much umbrage, and, added to the know 
ledge of his being in a faction hostile to the commander-in-chief 
had made his situation in the army so uncomfortable, that h 
withdrew to York, in Pennsylvania, then the seat of Congress. 
Not being directed to rejoin the army when the expedition to Ca- 
nada was abandoned, and entertaining no hope of being permitted 
to exercise the functions of his new office, he resigned his com- 
mission and returned to France. On his resignation, the Baron 
Steuben, who had performed the duties of Inspector- General, as a 
volunteer, was, on the recommendation of General Washington, 
appointed to that office with the rank of Major-General. This 
gentleman was of real service to the American troops. 

During the winter. Congress was occupied with several matters 
of great interest. Among them was the stipulation in the con- 
vention at Saratoga, for the return of the British army to England. 

The facility with which the convention might be violated on the 
part of the British, and the captured army be employed in the 
United States, seems to have suggested itself to the American gov- 
ea'nment as soon as the first rejoicings were over ; and a resolu- 
tion was passed early in November, directing General Heath to 
transmit to the board of war, a descriptive list of all persons com- 
prehended in the convention. The hope was entertained, that as 
the port of Boston, the place of embarkation, was often rendered 
extremely difficult of access early in the winter, it might be closed 
before a sufficient number of vessels for the transportation of the 
ti'oops to Europe could be collected. 

Contrary to expectation, a fleet of transports reached Rhode 
Island early in December. Several circumstances had combined 
to ripen the previous suspicions of Congress into conviction. Gen- 
eral Burgoyne had addressed a letter to General Gates, in which 
he complained of the inconvenient quarters assigned his officers, as 
a breach of the convention — a complaint supposed to be made for 
the purpose of letting in the principle, that the breach of one 
article of the treaty discharges the injured party from its obliga- 
tions. This suspicion derived strength from the indiscreet hesita- 
tion of General Burgoyne to permit the resolution requiring a 
descriptive list of his troops to be executed. 

Mention the circumstances which induced a suspicion on the part of Con- 
gress, that General Burgoyne might ultimately violate that part of the co>- 
vention which prohibited the British prisoners from serving in America ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 119 

It was also alleged that the number of transports was not suffi- 
cient to convey the troops to Europe ; and that General Howe 
could not possibly have laid in a sufficient stock of provisions for 
the voyage. The objections were strengthened by some trivial 
inadvertent infractions of the convention, which, it was contended, 
gave Congress a strict right to detain the troops. 

The whole subject was referred to a committee, on receiving 
whose report, Congress resolved " that the embarkation of Lieu- 
tenant-General Burgoyne and the troops under his command be 
suspended until a distinct and explicit ratification of the conven- 
tion of Saratoga shall be properly notified by the court of Great 
Britain to Congress." A request subsequently made by General 
Burgoyne, to be permitted to embark for England in consideration 
of the state of his health, was readily granted. 

The impression made on the British nation by the capitulation 
of Burgoyne, at length made its way into the cabinet, notwith- 
standing the persevering temper of the king ; and Lord North 
moved for leave to bring in two bills having conciliation for their 
object. The first surrendered the principle of taxation, and the 
second empowered the crown to appoint commissioners to treat 
of peace. 

General Washington received early intimation of their arrival, 
and immediately forwarded copies of them to Congress, in a letter 
suggesting the policy of preventing their pernicious influence on 
the public mind by all possible means. 

This letter was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs* 
Morris, Drayton, and Dana, by whom a report was made, inves- 
tigating the bills with much acuteness and asperity. The report 
and resolutions founded on it were ordered to be published. 

During these transactions, a frigate arrived with the important 
intelligence that treaties of alliance and of commerce had been 
formed between the United States of America and France. This 
event had been long anxiously expected ; and had been so long 
delayed as to excite serious apprehensions that it might not take 
place. 

France, still sore under the wounds which had been infficted 
during the war of 1756, had viewed the growing discontents be- 
tween Great Britain and her colonies with secret satisfaction ; but 
rather as a circumstance to be encouraged from motives of gen- 
eral policy, than as one from which any definite advantage was 
to be derived. The system on which the cabinet of Versailles 
appears to have acted, for a time, was to aid and encourage the 
colonies secretly, in order to prevent a reconciliation with the 

What two bills on American affairs were enacted by Parliament ? What 
report respecting them was made by a committee of Congress ? Mention 
the important alliance that was at length effected. 



120 MARSHALL'S 

mother country, and to prepare privately for hostilities, but to 
avoid every thing which might give occasion for open war. 

During the public demonstration of dispositions favorable to 
England, means were taken to furnish aids of ammunition and 
arms, and to facilitate the negotiation of loans to the United States ; 
and the owners of American privateers, though forbidden to sell 
their prizes, or to procure their condemnation, found means to dis- 
pose of them privately. 

Matters remained in a fluctuating state until December 1777, 
when intelligence of the convention of Saratoga reached France. 
The American deputies took that opportunity to press the treaty 
which had been under consideration for twelve months ; and to 
urge the importance at this juncture, when Britain would most 
probably make proposals for an accommodation, of communicat- 
ing to Congress precisely what was to be expected from France 
and Spain. 

They were informed by M. Girard, one of the secretaries of the 
king's Council of State, that it was determined to acknowledge the 
independence of the United States, and to make a treaty with them. 

A courier was despatched to his Catholic Majesty with informa- 
tion of the line of conduct about to be pursued by France ; on 
whose return, a treaty of friendship and commerce was concluded. 
This was accompanied by a treaty of alliance, eventual and de- 
fensive, stipulating that if war should break out between France 
and England during the existence of that with the United States, 
it should be made a common cause ; and that neither party should 
conclude either truce or peace with Great Britain, without the 
formal consent of the other. 

In a few weeks the Marquis de Noailles announced officially to 
the court of London, the treaty of friendship and commerce 
France had formed with the United States. The British govern- 
ment, considering this notification as a declaration of open war, 
published a memorial for the purpose of justifying to all Europe 
the hostilities it had determined to commence. 

The despatches containing these treaties were received by the 
President on Saturday the 2d of May, after Congress had ad- 
journed. That body was immediately convened, the despatches 
were opened, and their joyful contents communicated. 

From this event, the attention must be directed to the proceed- 
ings respecting the exchange of prisoners. 

General Gage, in the harshness of spirit which had been ex- 
cited while governor of Massachusetts, not only threw all his pri- 
soners into a common jail, but rejected every proposition for an 

What mutual obligations were imposed by the treaty between the United 
States and France ? What was the determination of Britain, on learning 
the existence of this treaty ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 121 

exchange of them. General Howe abandoned this absurd system ; 
but the Americans did not possess a sufficient number of prisoners 
to relieve all their citizens, and many of them still remained in 
confinement. Representations were continually received from these 
unfortunate men, describing in strong terms the severity of their 
treatment. When charged with conduct so unworthy of his cha- 
racter, Sir William Howe positively denied its truth. 

The capture of General Lee furnished an additional ground of 
controversy. The resignation of his commission in the British 
service not having been received when he entered into that of 
America, a disposition was at first manifested to consider him as a 
deserter, and he was closely confined. Congress directed General 
Howe to be assured that Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell and five 
Hessian field-officers should experience precisely the fate of Gen- 
eral Lee. These officers were taken into close custody, and in- 
formed that the resolution announced by General Howe would be 
strictly enforced. 

The resolutions of Congress not to observe a convention re- 
specting the prisoners taken at the Cedars, was also the source of 
much embarrassment to the commander-in-chief. Alleging that 
the capitulation had been violated on the part of the enemy, they 
withheld their sanction from the agreement entered into by Gen- 
eral Arnold, and refused to allow other prisoners to be returned 
in exchange for those liberated under that agreement, until ti:e 
Indians alleged to have murdered some of the prisoners should be 
given up, and compensation made for the baggage said to have 
been plundered. As the fact alleged was not clearly proved, Sir 
William Howe continued to press General Washington on the 
subject, and to urge the importance of a punctilious observance ot' 
faith plighted in such engagements. 

The remonstrances of General Washington to Congress could 
not, for a long time, procure a change of their resolution. 

After the sufferings of the prisoners in New York had been ex- 
treme, and great numbers had perished in confinement, the sur- 
vivors were liberated for the purpose of being exchanged ; but so 
miserable was their condition, that many of them died on their 
way home. For the dead as well as the living. General Howe 
claimed a return of prisoners ; while General Washington con- 
tended that reasonable deductions should be made for those who 
were actually dead of diseases under which they labored when 
permitted to leave the British prisons. Until this claim should bo 
admitted. General Howe rejected any partial exchange. 

Information was continually received that the American prison- 
Mention the differences which arose between the commanders of the two 
armies, respecting the exchange of prisoners. What is said respecting the 
American prisoners at New York ? 
11 



122 MARSHALL'S 

ers suffered almost the extremity of famine. The British General 
answered the repeated remonstrances on this subject by a denial 
of the fact. He continued to aver that the same food was issued 
10 the prisoners as to British troops while in transports, or else- 
where, not on actual duty ; and yielded to a request to permit a 
commissary to visit the jails. Mr. Boudinot, the iVmerican com- 
missary of prisoners, was met by Mr. Ferguson, the British com- 
missary, and informed that General Howe thought it unnecessary 
for him to come into the city, and would himself inspect the situa- 
tion and treatment of prisoners. There is reason to believe that 
their causes of complaint of complaint were considerably dimin- 
ished, at least so far as respected provisions. But clothes and 
blankets were also necessary. General Howe would not permit 
the purchase of those articles in Philadelphia, and they could not 
be procured elsewhere. 

To compel him to abandon this distressing restriction, and to 
permit the use of paper-money within the British lines, Congres? 
resolved that no prisoner should be exchanged until all the expend 
itures made in paper, for the supplies they received from the United 
States, should be paid in specie, at the rate of four-and-six-pence 
for each dollar. They afterwards determined that, from the 1st 
day of February, no British commissary should be permitted tc 
purchase any provisions for the use of prisoners west of New 
Jersey; but that all supplies should be furnished from British 
stores. 

Sir William Howe remonstrated against the last resolution, as 
a decree which doomed a considerable number of prisoners to 
a slow and painful death by famine. Its severity was, in some de- 
gree, mitigated by a resolution that each British commissary of 
prisoners might receive provisions from the American commissary 
of purchases, to be paid for in specie, according to the resolution 
of the 19th of December, 1777. 

About the same time, an order was hastily given by the Board 
of War, which produced no inconsiderable embarrassment. 

General Washington had consented that a quartermaster, with 
a small escort, should come out of Philadelphia with clothes and 
other comforts for prisoners. He had expressly stipulated for their 
security, and had given them a passport. 

While they were travelling through the country, information 
was given to the Board of War that Sir William Howe had refused 
to permit provisions to be sent to the American prisoners by water. 
This information was not correct. The board, however, ordered 
Lieutenant-Colonel Smith to seize the party, their carriages and 
provisions, and detain them. 

By what methods did Congress endeavor to secure good treatment to 
American prisoners in the hands of the British ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 123 

General Washington despatched one of his aids, with directions 
for the immediate release of the persons and property seized ; but 
the officers refused to proceed on their journey, and returned to 
Philadelphia. 

After all hope of inducing General Howe to recede from the 
high ground he had taken respecting the compensation for prisoners 
released in Philadelphia had been abandoned, he suddenly relin- 
quished it himself, and acceded completely to the proposition made 
by General Washington. Commissaries were mutually appointed, 
who were to meet on the 10th of March in Germantown, to arrange 
the details of a general cartel. On the 4th of that month, a reso- 
lution of Congress appeared in a newspaper, calling on the several 
states for the amount of supplies furnished the prisoners, that they 
might be adjusted according to the rule of the 10th of December, 
before the exchange should take place. 

This emba-rrassing resolution obliged General Washington to 
request a postponement of the meeting of the commissaries till the 
21st of the month. The interval was successfully employed in 
procuring a repeal of the resolution. 

The commissioners met according to the second appointment ; 
but, on examining their powers, it appeared that those given by 
General Washington were expressed to be in virtue of authority 
vested in him ; while those given by Sir William Howe contained 
no such declaration. 

This omission produced an objection on the part of the United 
States ; and General Howe refusing to change the language, the 
negotiation was broken off. Some time afterwards Sir William 
Howe proposed that all prisoners, actually exchanged, should be 
sent into the nearest posts, and returns made of officer for officer, 
and soldier for soldier ; and that if a surplus of officers should re- 
main, they should be exchanged for an equivalent in privates. 

On the application of General Washington, Congress acceded 
to this proposal, so far as related to the exchange of officer for 
officer, and soldier for soldier ; but rejected the part which admit- 
ted an equivalent in privates for a surplus of officers, because the 
officers captured with Burgoyne were exchangeable. Under this 
agreement an exchange took place to a considerable extent. 

Did the British General at length accede to the wishes of Washington, 
respecting the prisoners ? Mention the resolution of Congress which im- 
peded the negotiation, and the point of formahty which caused it to be 
broken off. What arrangement was at length effected upon this embarrass- 
ing subject ? 



124 MARSHALL'S 



CHAPTER Xir. 

Incursion into Jersey.— General Lacy surprised.— Attempt on Lafayette at Barren 
Hill.— General Howe resigns.— Is succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton.— He evacuates 
Philadelphia. — Marches through Jersey. — Battle of Monmouth.— General Lee ar- 
rested.— Sentenced to be suspended.— Thanks of Congress to General Washington 
and the army. 

As the spring opened, several expedients were undertaken by 
the British. Colonel Mawhood made an incursion into Jersey, at 
the head of twelve hundred men. Governor Livingston was im- 
mediately requested to call out the militia in order to join Colonel 
Shreeve, v/hose regiment was detached for the protection of that 
state. The legislature had omitted to make provision for paying 
them, and the governor could not bring them into the field. Maw- 
hood of course was unrestrained ; and the devastation committed 
by his party was wantonly distressing. After completing his 
forage, unmolested, he returned to Philadelphia. During the con- 
tinuance of this incursion, which lasted six or seven days, not 
more than two hundred militia could be collected. 

Not long afterwards, an expedition was undertaken against Ge- 
neral Lacy, who, with a small body of Pennsylvania militia, 
varying in its numbers, watched the roads on the north side of the 
Schuylkill. 

Colonel Abercrombie, who commanded this expedition, avoided 
all Lacy's posts of security, and threw a detachment into his rear 
before he discovered the approach of an enemy. After a short 
resistance, he escaped with a loss of a few men, and all his bag- 
gage. His corps was entirely dispersed, and he was soon after- 
wards replaced by General Potter. 

To cover the country more effectually on the north side of the 
Schuylkill, to form an advance guard for the security of the mam 
army, and to be in readiness to annoy the rear of the enemy 
should he evacuate Philadelphia, the Marquis de Lafayette was 
detached on the 18th of May, with more than two thousand choice 
troops, to take post near the lines. 

He crossed the Schuylkill, and encamped near Barren Hill 
church eight or ten miles in front of the army. Immediate notice 
of his arrival was given to Sir William Plowe, who reconnoitred 
his position, and formed a plan to surprise him. On the night of 
the 19th, General Grant with five thousand select troops, marched 
on the road leading up the Delaware, and after making a consi- 
derable circuit, reached Plymouth meeting-house, rather more than 
a mile in rear of the Marquis, between him and Valley Forge, 

Mention the incursions of the British into New Jersey, and their surprise 
of General Lucy. What attempt was made on Lafayatte at Barren 
Hill ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 125 

before sunrise next morning. In the course of the night, General 
Grey with a strong detachment, had advanced up the Schuylkill, 
on its south side, and taken post at a ford two or three miles in 
front of the right flank of Lafayette, while the residue of the army 
encamped at Chesnut hill. 

Captain M'Clane, a vigilant partisan, was posted some distance 
in. front of Barren hill. In the course of the night, he fell in with 
two British grenadiers at Three-Mile run, who communicated to 
him the movement made by Grant, and also the preparations for 
that made by Grey. Conjecturing the object, M'Clane detached 
Captain Parr with a company of riflemen to harass and retard 
the column advancing up the Schuylkill, and hastened in person 
to the camp of Lafayette. That officer instantly put his troops 
in motion, and passed the Schuylkill at Watson's ford, which was 
rather nearer to Grant than himself, with the loss of only nine 
men. 

General Grant followed his rear, and appeared at the ford just 
after the Americans had crossed it. Finding them advantageously 
posted, he did not choose to attack them ; and the whole army re- 
turned to Philadelphia. 

This was the last enterprise attempted by Sir William Howe. 
He resigned the command of the army to Sir Henry Clinton, and 
embarked for Great Britain. About the same time, orders were 
received for the evacuation of Philadelphia. The great naval force 
of France rendered that city a dangerous position, and determined 
the administration to withdraw the army from the Delaware. 

The preparations for this movement indicated equally an em- 
barkation of the whole army, or its march through Jersey. The 
last was believed to be most probable, and every exertion was 
made to take advantage of it. 

General Maxwell with the Jersey brigade was ordered over the 
Delaware, to Mount Holly, to join Major-General Dickenson, who 
was assembling the militia for the purpose of- co-operating with the 
continental troops. 

On the 17th of June, intelligence was received that great part 
of the British army had crossed the Delaware, and that the resi- 
due would soon follow. The opinion of the general officers was 
required on the course to be pursued. General Lee, who had 
been lately exchanged, and whose experience gave great weight to 
his opinions, was vehement against risking either a general or par- 
tial engagement. General Du Portail, a French officer of consi- 
derable reputation, maintained the same opinions ; and the Baron 
de Steuben concurred in them. The American officers seem to 

When Sir William Howe left the army and sailed for Europe, what im- 
portant measure was determined on, regarding Philadelphia ? In leaving this 
city, what was the Ijne of march of the enemy ? 
11* 



126 MARSHALL'S 

have been influenced by the counsels of the Europeans ; and, ol 
seventeen Generals, only Wayne and Cadwallader were decidedly 
in favor of attacking the enemy. Lafayette appeared inclined to 
that opinion without openly embracing it ; and General Greene 
was inclined to hazard more than the counsels of the majority 
would sanction. 

On the morning of the 28th, Philadelphia was evacuated ; and 
by two in the afternoon, all the British troops were encamped on 
the Jersey shore. As their line of march, until they passed Cross- 
wick's, led directly up the Delaware, General Washington found 
it necessary to make an extensive circuit, and to cross the river at 
Coryell's ferry, after which he kept possession of the high grounds, 
thereby retaining the choice of bringing on or avoiding an action. 

As Sir Henry Clinton encamped at Allen town, the main body 
ef the American army lay in Hopewell township. IVIajor-General 
Dickenson, with one thousand militia and Maxwell's brigade, hung 
on his left flank ; General Cadwallader with Jackson's regiment 
and a few militia was in his rear ; and Colonel Morgan with a 
regiment of six hundred men watched his right. 

Notwithstanding the almost concurrent opinion of his general 
officers against risking an action, Washington appears to have 
been strongly inclined to that measure. A council was therefore 
once more assembled, who were asked whether it would be advisa- 
ble to hazard a general action ? If it would, ought it to be brought 
on by a general or partial attack, or by taking a position which 
must compel the enemy to become the assailants ? 

Should a general action be unadvisable, he asked what mea- 
sures could be taken to annoy the enemy on his march ? 

The proposition respecting a general action was decidedly nega- 
tived. But it was advised to reinforce the corps on the left flank 
of the enemy with fifteen hundred men ; and to preserve with the 
main body of the army a relative position, which would enable it 
to act as circumstances might require. 

In pursuance of this opinion, the troops on the lines were 
strengthened with fifteen hundred select men commanded by Ge- 
neral Scott ; and the army moved forward to Kingston. 

Knowing that several officers whose opinions were highly valued 
wished secretly for something more than skirmishing, General 
Washington, who was still in favor of an engagement, determined 
lo take his measures on his own responsibility ; and ordered Ge- 
nerar Wayne with one thousand men to join the advanced corps. 
The continental troops of the front division now amounting to at 
least four thousand men, it was proper that they should be corn- 
Did the American army follow the British, in their march through Jersey 
towards New York ? VVas Washington desirous of attacking them, and 
what steps were favored by him, with the intention of bringing on an action ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 127 

manded by a Major-General. Lee had a right to claim this tour 
of duty ; but, supposing the.t nothing important was to be attempted, 
he showed no inclination to assert his claim, and yielded it to La- 
fayette. The orders given to this General, were to gain the ene- 
my's left flank and rear ; give him every practicable annoyance ; 
and attack by detachment, or with his whole force, as the occa- 
sion might require. General Washington moved forward to 
Cranberry for the purpose of supporting his front division, which 
had pressed forward and taken a position about five miles in rear 
of the British army, with the intention of attacking it next morn- 
ing on its march. 

Lafayette had scarcely taken command of the front division, 
when Lee, perceiving that great importance was attached to it by 
the general officers, began to regret having yielded it. To re- 
lieve his feelings without wounding those of Lafayette, General 
Washington detached him with two additional brigades to English- 
town, to which place the Marquis had been directed to march. It 
was expressly stipulated that any enterprise already formed by 
Lafayette should be carried into execution as if the commanding 
officer had not been, changed. Lee acceded to this condition ; and, 
with two additional brigades, joined the front division, now amount- 
ing to five thousand continental troops. The rear division moved 
forward, and encamped about three miles in his rear. Morgan 
still hovered on the right flank of the British, and General Dick- 
enson on the left. 

The position of Sir Henry Clinton on the heights about Mon- 
mouth Court-House was unassailable, and he was within twelve 
miles of the high grounds about Middletown, after reaching which 
he would be perfectly secure. Lee was therefore ordered to attack 
the British rear as soon as it should move from its ground. 

About five in the morning, intelligence was received that the 
front of the enemy was in motion. Lee was ordered to attack the 
rear " unless there should be powerful reasons to the contrary," 
and was at the same time informed that the rear division would be 
on its march to support him. 

Sir Henry Clinton had observed the appearances on his flanks 
and rear, and had changed the order of his march. The baggage 
was placed in front under the care of Knyphausen, while the 
flower of his army formed the rear division under the particular 
command of Lord Cornwallis, who was accompanied by the com- 
mander-in-chief 

Soon after the rear had moved from its ground on the 28th, Lee 
prepared to execute the orders he had received, and directed Ge- 

What preparations were made by Washington, to attack the British ? 
What was the position of Sir Henry Clinton ? Mention the American offi' 
cer who was ordered to attack the rear of the enemy ? 



128 MARSHALL'S 

neral Wayne to attack the rear of their covering party with sul- 
ficient vigor to check its march, but not to press it so closely as 
either to force it up to the main body, or draw reinforcements to 
its aid. In the meantime he continued to gain the front of this 
party by a shorter road, and, intercepting its communication with 
the line, to bear it off before it could be assisted. 

While in the execution of this design, a gentleman in the suite 
of General Washington came up to gain intelligence ; and Lee 
communicated his object. 

Before he reached his destination, there was reason to believe 
that the British rear was much stronger than had been conjectured. 

Sir Henry Clinton, perceiving that his rear was followed by a 
strong corps, that a cannonade was commenced upon it, and that 
a respectable force showed itself at the same time on both his 
flanks, suspected a design on his baggage, and determined to at- 
tack the troops in his rear so vigorously as to compel the recall 
of those on his flanks. 

Lee now discovered the strength of the British rear division ; 
but was still determined to engage on the ground his troops occu- 
pied, though his judgment disapproved the measure, there being 
a morass immediately in his rear. 

This was about ten. While both armies were preparing for 
action, General Scott (as stated by General Lee) mistook an ob- 
lique march of an American column for a retreat, and repassed 
the ravine in his rear. 

Being himself of opinion that the ground was unfavorable, Lee 
did not correct the error he alleges Scott to have committed, but 
ordered the whole detachment to regain the heights. He was 
closely pressed, and some slight skirmishing ensued, without much 
loss on either side. 

As soon as the firing announced the commencement of the ac- 
tion, the rear division advanced rapidly to support the front. Ge- 
neral Washington, to his astonishment and mortification, met the 
ti'oops retiring before the enemy without having made an effort to 
maintain their ground. The only answer they could make to his 
(inquiries was, that, in obedience to the orders of their General, 
they had fled without fighting. In the rear of the division he met 
Lee, to whom he spoke in terms implying disapprobation of his 
conduct. 

Colonel Stewart and Lieutenant-Colonel Ramsay were ordered 
to check the pursuit with their regiments ; and General Lee was 
directed to stop the British column on the ground then occupied. 
These orders were executed with firmness and effect ; and the 

Describe the military raovements which brought on the battle of Men- 
mouth. What was Leo's conduct on that occasion, and what <Urections were 
iesued by Washington to retrieve the battle ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 129 

troops, when forced from the field, were formed in the rear of 
Englishtown. 

This check afforded time to draw up the second Hne on an emi- 
nence covered by a morass in front. The artillery, under Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Carrington, played with considerable effect on a di- 
vision of the British which had passed the morass and was press- 
ing forward. They stopped the advance of the enemy. 

Finding themselves warmly opposed in front, the British at- 
tempted to turn first the lefl, and afterwards the right, flank of the 
American army, but were rephlsed. At this moment General 
Wayne was advanced whh a body of infantry to engage them in 
front, who soon drove them behind the ravine. 

The position now taken by the British army was very strong. 
Both flanks were secured by thick woods and morasses ; and 
their front was accessible only through a narrow pass. Yet Ge- 
neral Washington was determined to renew the engagement. Poor, 
with his own and the North Carolina brigade, was ordered to gain 
their right flank, while Woodford should turn their left. The ar- 
tillery was ordered to advance and play on their front. 

The impediments on the flanks were so considerable that, be- 
fore they could be overcome, it was nearly dark. Farther opera- 
tions were, therefore, deferred till the morning, and the troops lay 
on their arms. General Washington passed the night in his cloak, 
in the midst of his soldiers. About midnight the British withdrew 
in such silence that their retreat was not discovered until day. 

It was certain that they would gain the high grounds about 
Middletown before they could be overtaken ; and the face of the 
country did not justify an attempt to oppose their embarkation. 
Leaving a detachment to hover on their rear, the army moved 
towards the Hudson. 

The loss of the Americans in the battle of Monmouth was eight 
officers and sixty-four privates killed, and one hundred and sixty 
wounded. Among the slain were Lieutenant-Colonel Bonner of 
Pennsylvania, and Major Dickenson of Virginia, both much re- 
gretted. One hundred and thirty were missing; but many of 
them rejoined their regiments. Of the British, four officers and 
two hundred and forty-five privates were buried on the field. Some 
were afterwards found, increasing their dead to nearly three hun- 
dred. Sir Henry Clinton, in his official letter, states his wounded 
at sixteen officers and one hundred and fifly-four privates. The 
uncommon heat of the day proved fatal to several on both sides. 

In addition to the loss sustained in the action, the British army 
was considerably weakened in its march from Philadelphia to 

What were the impediments thai prevented a general attack upon the 
British ? What was the loss of tiie two armies respectively, in the battle 
of Monmouth ? Did the weather increase the loss ? 



130 MARSHALL'S 

Now York. About one hundred prisoners were made, and near 
one thousand soldiers, chiefly foreigners, deserted. 

The conduct of Lee was generally disapproved. It is, however, 
probable that explanations would have rescued him from the im^ 
putations cast on him, could his haughty temper have brooked the 
indignity he believed to have been offered to him on the field of 
battle. General Washington had taken no measures in conse- 
quence of the events of that day, when he received from Lee a 
letter expressed in very unbecoming terms, requiring reparation 
for the injury sustained " from the very singular expressions" used 
oil the day of the action. 

This letter was answered by an assurance, that as soon as cir- 
cumstances would admit of an enquiry, he should have an oppor- 
tunity of justifying himself to the army, to America, and to the 
world in general ; or of convincing them that he had been guilty 
of disobedience of orders, and of misbehavior before the enemy. 
On his expressing a wish for a court-martial, he was arrested — 

First, for disobedience of orders, in not attacking the enemy on 
the 28th of June, agreeably to repeated instructions. 

Secondly, for misbehavior before the enemy on the same day, 
in making an unnecessary, disorderly, and shameful retreat. 

Thirdly, for disrespect to the commander-in-chief in two letters. 

Before this correspondence had taken place, strong and specific 
charges of misconduct had been made against General Lee by 
several officers, particularly by Generals Wayne and Scott. 

A court-martial, of which Lord Sterling was president, found 
him guilty of all the charges exhibited against him, and sentenced 
him to be suspended for one year. This sentence was afterwards, 
though with some hesitation, approved almost unanimously by 
Congress. The court softened in some degree the severity of the 
second charge, by finding him guilty, not in its very words, but 
" of misbehavior before the enemy, by making an unnecessary, 
and in some few instances, a disorderly retreat." 

Lee defended himself with his accustomed ability ; and sug- 
gested a variety of reasons in justification of his retreat, which, 
if they do not absolutely establish its propriety, give it so ques- 
tionable a form as to render it probable that a public examination 
would not have taken place, could his proud spirit have stooped to 
offer explanation instead of outrage to the commander-in-chief. 

His suspension gave general satisfI\ction to the army. Without 
being master of his conduct as a military man, they perfectly un- 
derstood the insult offered to their General by his letters, and be- 
lieved his object to have been to disgrace Washington, and elevate 
himself to the supreme command. 

What were the charges brought agauist General Lee ? What senten"** 
was passed upon him by a court-martial ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 131 

The battle of Monmouth gave great satisfaction to Congress. 
A. resolution was passed unanimously, thanking General Wash- 
ington for the activity with which he marched from Valley Forge 
m pursuit of the enemy ; for his distinguished exertions in form- 
ing the line of battle, and for his great good conduct in the action. 
He was also requested to signify the thanks of Congress to the 
officers and men under his command. 

After remaining a few days on the high grounds of Middletown, 
Sir Henry Clinton proceeded to Sandy Hook, whence his army 
passed over to New York. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Count D'Estaing arrives with a French fleet.— Meditates an attack on the British fleet 
in the harbor of New York. — Relinquishes it.— Sails to Rhode Island. — Is followed 
by Lord Howe. — Both fleets dispersed by a storm. — General Sullivan lays siege to 
Newport. — D'Estaing returns. — Sails for Boston. — Dissatisfaction of Sullivan. — He 
raises the siege of Newport.— Action on Rhode Island.— Sullivan retreats to the 
continent.— Exertions of Washington to assuage the irritations of Sullivan and 
D'Estaing. — Lord Hov/e resigns. — Colonel Baylor surprised. — Skirmish between 
Colonel Butler and Captain Donop — Pulaski surprised. 

Early in July, intelligence was received that a powerful French 
fleet, commanded by the Count D'Estaing, had appeared off Chin- 
goteague inlet, the northern extremity of the coast of Virginia* 
The Count had sailed from Toulon on the 13th of April, with 
twelve ships of the line and six frigates, having on board a re- 
spectable body of land forces. His destination was the Delaware ; 
and the extraordinary length of his voyage, occasioned by ad- 
verse winds, saved the British fleet and army. 

Having failed in accomplishing his first object, he proceeded 
along the coast of New York, in the hope of being able to attack 
the British fleet in the harbor of that place. 

At Paramus, in Jersey, on the 13th of July, General Wash- 
ington received a letter from the President of Congress, advising 
him of this important event, requesting him to concert measures 
with the Count for conjoint and offensive operations, and empow 
ering him to call out the militia from New Hampshire to Jersey 
inclusive. He determined to proceed immediately to the White 
Plains, whence his army might more readily co-operate with the 
fleet ; and despatched Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, one of his aids, 
to the French Admiral, with all the information that could be 
useful to him. 

The Count, on arriving off the Hook, communicated his strength 

How did Congress testify its approbation of Washington's conduct in the 
] affair of Monmouth? When did a powerful French fleet arrive on tbo 
American coast ? What movements followed ? 



132 MARSHALL'S 

and his views to General Washington. His first object was to 
attack New York. Should this be found impracticable, his second 
was Rhode Island. 

Fearing that the water on the bar might not be of sufficient 
depth to admit the passage of the largest French ships, General 
Washington had turned his attention to other eventual objects ; 
and, on the 21st of July, had directed General Sullivan, who 
commanded the troops in Rhode Island, to prepare for an enter- 
prise against Newport ; and had reinforced him with two brigades 
commanded by the Marquis de Lafayette. The next day he re- 
ceived the final determination of the Admiral to relinquish the 
meditated attack on the fleet in the harbor of New York. 

On the 25th of July, the fleet appeared off Newport, and cast 
anchor just without Brenton's Ledge ; soon afler which General 
Sulhvan went on board the Admiral, and concerted with him 
a conjoint plan of operations. The French and American troops 
were to land at the same time on opposite sides of the island. 
. Q As the militia of New Hampshire and Massachusetts 
"^* * approached, the continental troops were united at Tiverton ; 
and it was agreed with the Admiral that the fleet should enter the 
main channel immediately, and that the descent should be made 
the succeeding day. The militia not arriving precisely at the time 
they were expected. General Sullivan could not hazard the move- 
ment which had been concerted, and stated to the Count the ne- 
cessity of postponing it till the next day. Meanwhile, General 
Pigot, having observed preparations for a descent, drew his troops 
in the night from the north end of the island into Newport. In 
the morning Sullivan determined to avail himself of this circum- 
stance ; and, crossing the east passage, took possession of the 
works which had been abandoned. This movement gave great 
offence to the Admiral, who resented the indelicacy committed by 
Sullivan in landing before the French, and without consulting him. 
Unfortunately, some differences on subjects of mere punctilio had 
previously arisen. 

At this time a British fleet appeared, which came to anchor off 
Point Judith, just without the narrow inlet leading into the harbor. 

So soon as the destination of Count D'Estaing was ascertained, 
he was followed by a squadron of twelve ships of the line, under 
Admiral Byron. The vessels composing the squadron, were dis- 
persed in various storms ; and arrived, after lingering through a 
tedious passage, on different and remote parts of the American 
coast. Four ships of sixty-four and filly guns arrived separately 
at Sandy Hook, within a few days after the departure of D'Estaing 
from that place. 

Mention the naval and military operations near Newport. What British 
naval force now appeared on the coast ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 133 

This reinforcement, though it left the British considerably infe- 
rior to the French fleet, determined Lord Howe to attempt the re- 
lief of Newport. He sailed from New York on the 6th of August ; 
and appeared on the 9th in sight of the French fleet. D'Estaing 
determined to stand out to sea and give battle. Lord Howe also 
stood out to sea, and both fleets were soon out of sight. 

The militia who had now arrived augmented Sullivan's army to 
ten thousand men ; and he determined to commence the siege im- 
mediately. Before this determination could be executed, a furious 
storm blew down all the tents, rendered the arms unfit for imme- 
diate use, and greatly damaged the ammunition. The soldiers 
suffered extremely ; and several perished in the storm, which con- 
tinued three days. On the return of fair weather, the siege was 
commenced, and was carried on without any material occurrence 
for several days. On the 19th the French fleet reappeared. 

The admirals had consumed two days in manoeuvring. When 
on the point of engaging, they were separated by the storm which 
had been felt so severely on shore. Both fleets were dispersed, 
and retired in a shattered condition, the one into the harbor of 
New York, and the other into that of Newport. A letter from 
D'Estaing informed Sullivan that, in pursuance of orders from the 
King, and of the advice of all his officers, he had determined to 
carry the fleet to Boston. 

This communication threw Sullivan and his army into despair. 

Generals Greene and Lafayette were directed to wait on the 
Admiral with a letter, remonstrating against this resolution. The 
remonstrances of Sullivan, and the representations made by these 
officers, were ineffectual. 

Sullivan made another effort to retain the fleet. In his second 
letter he pressed the Admiral, in any event, to leave his land forces. 
The bearer of this letter was also charged with a protest signed 
by all the general officers, except Lafayette, the only effect of 
which was to irritate D'Estaing, who sailed immediately for Boston. 
Sullivan was so indiscreet as to express his dissatisfaction in gen- 
eral orders, insinuating a suspicion that the French nation and 
their Admiral were indisposed to promote the interests of the United 
States. 

A council of general officers were in favor of attempting an 
assault, if five thousand volunteers, who had seen nine months' 
service, could be obtained. But this number could not be procured ; 
and in a few days the army was reduced by desertion to little more 
than five thousand men. The British being estimated at six thou- 
sand, it was determined to retire to the north end of the island, 

What circumstance frustrated the contemplated action between the Eng 
lish and French fleets ? Mention the diiTerence which arose between Gen 
eral Sullivan and Admiral D'Estaing. 
12 



134 MARSHALL'S 

there to wait the result of another effort to induce D'Estaing to 
return. 

On the night of the 28th the army retired by two roads, having 
its rear covered by Colonels Livingston and Laurens, who com- 
manded light parties on each. 

Early next morning the British followed in two columns, and 
were engaged on each road by Livingston and Laurens, who re- 
treated slowly, until the British were brought within view of the 
American army, drawn up in order of battle on the ground of their 
encampment. The British formed on Quaker hill, rather more 
than a mile in front of the American line. 

The two armies cannonaded each other for some time, and a 
succession of skirmishes was kept up till two in the afternoon, 
when the British advanced in force against a redoubt in front of 
the right wing. It was supported by General Greene, and a short 
engagement ensued, which was continued about half an hour, when 
the British retreated to Quaker hill. 

The loss of Sullivan in killed, wounded, and missing, was two 
hundred and eleven. That of the British was stated by General 
Pigot at two hundred and sixty. 

The next day the cannonade was renewed ; but neither army 
was inclined to attack the other. "The British waited for reinforce- 
ments, and Sullivan had determined to retire from the island. 

The commander-in-chief had been induced, by some movements 
among the British transports, to suggest to Sullivan the necessity 
of securing his retreat. A fleet of transports soon put to sea, of 
which notice was given to the commanding officer in Rhode Island, 
in a letter recommending his immediate return to the continent. 
The whole army passed over unobserved by the enemy, and dis- 
embarked by two in the morning of the 31st, about Tiverton. 

Never was retreat more fortunate. Sir Henry Clinton, who had 
been detained by adverse winds, arrived the next day with a rein- 
forcement of four thousand men. 

The complete success of this expedition had been confidently 
anticipated throughout America ; and the chagrin produced by dis- 
appointment was proportioned to the exaltation of their hopes. In 
the first moments of vexation, several evidences of ill-humor were 
exhibited both by the civil departments and the army, from which 
the most disastrous consequences were apprehended. The discon- 
tent in New England generally, and in Boston particularly, was 
so great as to inspire fears that the means of repairing the French 
ships would not be supplied. In its commencement. General 
Washington foresaw the evils with which it was fraught, and la- 
Describe the military operations on Rhode Island, after the departure of 
the French fleet. Was it necessary for Sullivan to retreat to the main land ? 
Why was this a fortunate movement ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 135 

bored to prevent them. He addressed letters not only to General 
Sullivan, but also to General Heath, who commanded at Boston, 
and to several individuals of influence in New England, urging 
the necessity of restraining the intemperance of the moment. For 
the same objects, General Hancock repaired from camp to Boston ; 
and Lafayette followed him on a visit to D'Estaing. 

The General also seized the first opportunity to recommence 
his correspondence with the count, and his letters were calculated 
to soothe every angry sensation which might have been excited. 
A letter from the Admiral, stating the whole transaction, was an- 
swered in terms so perfectly satisfactory, that the irritation which 
threatened such serious mischief appears to have entirely subsided. 

Congress, too, in a resolution which was made public, expressed 
their full approbation of the conduct of the count ; and directed 
their President to assure him that they entertained the highest 
sense of his zeal and attachment. 

These prudent and temperate measures restored harmony to the 
allied armies. 

On receiving information that the Count D'Estaing was pro- 
ceeding towards Boston, Lord Howe sailed for the same port, in 
the hope of reaching it before him. Being disappointed in this 
expectation, he returned to New York, and resigned the command 
to Admiral Gambler. 

General Clinton, finding that Sullivan had retreated to the con- 
tinent, returned to New York, leaving the troops on board the 
transports, under the command of General Grey, with orders to 
conduct an expedition eastward, as far as Buzzard's bay. 

Grey destroyed a number of vessels in Acushnet river ; and 
having reduced part of the towns of Bedford and Fairhaven, to- 
gether with some stores, to ashes, he re-embarked his troops, be- 
fore the militia could be assembled, and sailed to Martha's Vine- 
yard, where he destroyed several vessels, and some salt-works, 
and levied a heavy contribution on the inhabitants. 

Soon after the return of General Grey from New <^ ^o 
England, the British army moved up the Hudson in P * 
great force, and encamped on both sides of the river. Their ships 
of war maintained the communication between their columns. 

Colonel Baylor, with his regiment of cavalry, crossed the Hack- 
ensack early in the morning of the 27th, and took quarters at 
Herringtown, a small village near New Taupaun, where some 
militia were posted. Immediate notice of his position was given 
to Lord Cornwallis, the commanding officer on the south side of 
the Hudson, who formed a plan to cut off both the cavalry and 

Mention the conciliatory measures adopted by Washington with respect to 
D'Estaing. What British expeditions were sent along the New England 
coast and up the North river ? 



136 MARSHALL'S 

militia. The party designed to act against Baylor was conducted 
by General Grey, and the other by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell. 

Notice of the approach of Campbell was given by a deserter, 
and the militia saved themselves by flight. But the corps com- 
manded by General Grey, guided by some of the country people, 
eluded the patroles, cut off a guard posted at a bridge over the 
Hackensack, and completely surprised the regiment. Of one 
hundred and four privates, sixty-seven were killed, wounded, and 
made prisoners. The number of prisoners was ascribed to the 
humanity of one of Grey's captains, who gave quarter to the 
whole of the fourth troop. Colonel Baylor and Major Clough, 
who were both wounded, the first dangerously, the last mortally, 
were among the prisoners. 

Three days afterwards. Colonel Richard Butler, with a detach- 
ment of infantry, assisted by Major Lee with a part of his cavalry, 
fell in with a party of chasseurs and yagers, commanded by Cap- 
tain Donop, whom he instantly charged, and, without the loss of 
a man, killed ten on the spot, and took one officer and eighteen 
privates prisoners. Some interest was taken at the time in this 
small affair, because it served to revenge, in some measure, the 
loss of Colonel Baylor. 

Afler completing their forage, the British army returned to New 
York. This movement had been designed in part to cover an ex- 
pedition against Little Eggharbor, which was completely success- 
ful. The works and store-houses, as well as several vessels, and 
a large quantity of merchandize, were destroyed. 

The Count Pulaski, a Polish nobleman, had obtained permission 
to raise a legionary corps, which he officered chiefly with foreign- 
ers. In this corps, one Juliet, a deserter, had obtained a commis- 
sion. The Count had been ordered towards Little Eggharbor, 
and was lying a few miles from the coast, when Juliet again de- 
serted, and gave intelligence of Pulaski's situation. A plan to 
surprise him succeeded so far as respected his infantry, who were 
put to the bayonet. 

Admiral Byron reached New York, and took command of the 
fleet about the middle of September. After repairing his shattered 
vessels, he sailed for Boston ; but, soon after entering the bay, a 
furious storm drove him out to sea, and damaged his ships so 
much, that he found it necessary to put into the port of Rhode 
Island to refit. The Count D'Estaing seized this favorable mo- 
ment, and sailed, on the 3d of November, for the West Indies. 

The Marquis de Lafayette, expecting a war on the continent of 

Mention the particulars of the skirmish wherein Colonel Baylor was de- 
feated by the British, and of that one wherein the Americans were success- 
ful. What was done at Little Eggharbor ? What is said of Count Pulaski ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 13^ 

Europe, was anxious to return to France, and to tender his ser 
vices to his king and native country. 

From motives of friendship as well as of policy. General Wash- 
ington was desirous of preserving the connexion of this nobleman 
with the American army. He therefore expressed to Congress 
his wish that Lafayette might have unlimited leave of absence, 
and might carry with him every mark of the confidence of the 
government. This policy was adopted by Congress. 

A detachment from the British army, of five thousand men, 
commanded by Major-General Grant, sailed, early in November, 
for the West Indies ; and, towards the end of the same month, a 
second detachment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, 
escorted by Commodore Hyde Parker, was destined for the south- 
ern states. 

In December, the American army retired into winter quarters. 
The main body was cantoned in Connecticut, about West Point 
and at Middlebrook. The troops again wintered in huts. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Terms of reconciliation proposed b" the British Commissioners.— Answer of Congress 
— Attempts of Mr. Johnson to bribe some members of Congress.— Manifesto of Com- 
missioners.— Arrival of Monsieur Girard, Minister of France.— Irruption of the In- 
dians into W^yoming. — Battle of Wyoming. — Colonel Dennison capitulates for tha 
inhabitants.— Colonel Clarke surprises Vincennes. — Plan for the invasion of Can 
ada.— General Washington induces Congress to abandon it. 

About the last of November, the commissioners ap- ^^^q 
pointed to give effect to the late conciliatory acts of Parlia- 
ment, embarked for Europe. Their utmost exertions to accom- 
plish the object of their mission, had been unsuccessful. Great 
Britain required that the force of the two nations should be united 
under one common sovereign ; and America was no longer dis- 
posed, or even at liberty, to accede to this proposition. 

On their arrival in Philadelphia, they addressed a letter " To 
the President and other members of Congress," inclosing copies 
of their commission and of the acts of Parliament, together with 
propositions founded on those acts, drawn in the most conciliatory 
language. 

Some expressions having been introduced into it, reflecting on 
the conduct of France, the reading was interrupted, and a motion 
made to proceed no further. A debate took place, and Congress 
adjourned. The following day, the letter was read, and commit- 

Upon the closing of the campaign, whither did the British send a part of 
their force ? What was the nature of the chief proposition of the British 
commissioners to the American Congress ? 
13* 



138 MARSHALL'S 

ted after some opposition. The report of the committee, which 
was transmitted to the commissioners, declared that " nothing but 
an earnest desire to prevent the further effusion of blood, could 
have induced them to read a paper containing expressions so dis- 
respectful to his Most Christian Majesty, the good and great ally 
j)f these states, or to consider propositions so derogatory to the 
honor of an independent nation." 

The resolutions proceeded to declare, that the propositions were 
totally inadmissible ; but that Congress would be ready to enter 
upon the consideration of a treaty of peace and commerce not in- 
consistent with treaties already subsisting. 

On the 13th of July, after arriving at New York, the commis- 
sioners addressed a second letter to Congress, in terms well cal- 
culated to make an impression on those who had become weary 
of the contest. On receiving it, that body resolved that, as neither 
the independence of the United States was explicitly acknow- 
ledged, nor the fleets and armies withdrawn, no answer should be 
given to it. 

The first packet contained several private letters written by 
Governor Johnson, one of the commissioners, in which he blend- 
ed, with flattering expressions of respect, assurances of the honors 
and emoluments to which those would be entitled who should 
contribute to restore peace and harmony to the two nations. 

In compliance with a resolution requiring that all letters of a 
public nature, received by any member, from any subject of the 
British crown, should be laid before Congress, these letters were 
produced ; and Mr. Read stated a direct offer which had been 
made to him by a third person, of a considerable sum of money, 
and of any office in the gift of the crown, to use his influence for 
the restoration of peace. Congress published a solemn declara- 
tion, in which, after reciting the offensive paragraphs of the pri- 
vate letters, and the conversation stated by Mr. Read, they ex- 
pressed their opinion, " that these were direct attempts to bribe 
the Congress of the United States, and that it was incompatible 
with their honor to hold any manner of correspondence or inter- 
course with the said George Johnson, esquire." After an unsuc- 
cessful attempt to involve the other commissioners in the same 
exclusion, this declaration was transmitted to them. On receiving 
it, Mr. Johnson withdrew from the commission. The other com- 
missioners, without admitting the construction put by Congress 
on his letter, or the authoj'ity of the person who held the conver- 
sation with Mr. Read, denied all knowledge of those letters or of 
that conversation. They at the same time repeated their detail of 

What was the reply of Congress to these propositions ? What overtures 
from one of the British commissioners, gave offence to Congress ? Mention 
the action of that body, in reference to this subject. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 139 

the advantages to be derived by America from acceding to the 
propositions they had made. 

In the hope that a knowledge of the terms they had offered, 
would make an impression on the people, they published a mani- 
festo before their departure, addressed to Congress, the Provincial 
Assemblies, dlid all the inhabitants of the colonies, recapitulating 
the several steps they had taken, and the refusal of Congress even 
to open a conference with them. They declared their readiness 
still to proceed in the execution of their powers, and proclaimed a 
general pardon to all who should, within fifty days, withdraw 
from their opposition to the British government, and conduct 
themselves as faithful subjects. Thirteen copies of the manifesto 
were executed, one of which was transmitted by a flag of truce to 
each state. A vast number of copies were printed, and great ex- 
ertions were made to disperse them among the people. 

Congress declared this measure to be contrary to the law of na- 
tions, and recommended it to the executive departments of the 
several states, to secure in close custody every person who, under 
the sanction of a flag or otherwise, was found employed in circu- 
lating those manifestoes. They at the same time directed a pub- 
lication of the manifesto in the American papers ; taking care 
however that it should be accompanied with comments made by 
individuals calculated to counteract its effect. 

Thus ended this fruitless attempt to restore a connexion .which 
had been wantonly broken, the reinstatement of which had be- 
come impracticable. 

In the midst of these transactions with the commis- -r , ^, 
sioners of Great Britain, the Sieur Girard arrived in the ^ 
character of minister plenipotentiary of his Most Christian Ma- 
jesty. The joy produced by this event was unbounded ; and he 
was received by Congress with great pomp. 

While these diplomatic concerns employed the American cabi- 
net, and the war seemed to languish on the Atlantic, it raged to the 
west in its most savage form. 

About three hundred white men commanded by Colonel John 
Butler, and about five hundred Indians led by the Indian 'Chief 
Brandt, entered the valley of Wyoming near its northern boiand- 
ary, late in June. The inhabitants capable of bearing arms as- 
sembled, on the first alarm, at Forty fort, on the west side of the 
Susquehanna, four miles below the camp of the invading army. 
The regular troops, amounting to about sixty, were commanded by 
Colonel Zebulon Butler ; the militia by Colonel Dennison. The 
combined forces, amounting to about four hundred men, marched 

Mention the ineffectual endeavor of the British commissioners to appeal 
more directly to the American people. What foreign minister now arrived? 
Relate the incidents that marked the massacre of Wyoming-. 



140 MARSHALL'S 

on the third of July from Forty fort to attack the enemy. The 
British and Indians were prepared to receive them. Their line 
extended from the river about a mile to a marsh at the foot of the 
mountain. The Americans advanced in a single column, without 
much interruption, until they approached the enemy, when they 
received a fire which did not much mischief. The line of battle 
was instantly formed, and the action commenced with spirit. The 
Americans rather gained ground on their right where Colonel 
Butler commanded, until a large body of Indians, passing through 
the skirt of the marsh, turned their left flank, which was com- 
posed of militia, and poured a most destructive fire on their rear. 
The fate of the day was decided, and a flight commenced on the 
left which was soon followed by the right. The Indians, rushing 
on them with the tomahawk, completed the confusion. Rather 
less than sixty men escaped, some to Forty fort, some by swim- 
ming the river, and some to the mountain. Very few prisoners 
were made, only three of whom were carried alive to Niagara. 

Terms of capitulation were granted to the inhabitants. Colonel 
Butler, with his few surviving soldiers, fled from the valley. The 
inhabitants generally abandoned the country, and wandered into 
the settlements on the Lehigh and the Delaware. The Indians, 
after laying waste the whole settlement, withdrew from it before 
the arrival of the continental troops who were detached to meet 
them. 

On the first intelligence of the destruction of Wyoming, the re- 
giments of Hartley and Butler, with the remnant of Morgan's 
corps commanded by Major Posey, were detached to the protec- 
tion of that distressed country. They were engaged in several 
sharp skirmishes, made separate incursions into the Indian coun- 
try, broke up their nearest villages, destroyed their corn, and, by 
compelling them to remove to a greater distance, gave some relief 
to the inhabitants. 

While the frontiers of New York and Pennsylvania were suf- 
fering the calamities incident to savage warfare, a fate equally 
severe was preparing for Virginia. The western militia of that 
state had taken some British posts on the Mississippi, which were 
erected into the county of Illinois ; for the protection of which a 
regiment of infantry and a troop of cavalry had been raised, to 
be commanded by Colonel George Rogers Clarke, a gentleman 
whose capacity for Indian warfare had crowned his enterprises 
against the savages with repeated success. A part of this corps 
remained with Colonel Clarke at Kaskaskia. 

Colonel Hamilton, the Governor of Detroit, was at Vincennes 



To vyhat extent were the Americans able to retaliate the devastation at 
Wyoming ? What danger now menaced the frontier of Virginia ? What 
American officer planned the defence ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 141 

with six hunclre'd men, chiefly Indians, preparing an expedition 
' first against Kaskaskia, and then up the Ohio to Pittsburg ; after 
which he purposed to devastate the frontiers of Virginia. Clarke 
anticipated and defeated his designs by one of those bold and deci- 
sive measures, which mark the military genius of the man who 
plans and executes them. 

While preparing for his defence, he received information that 
Hamilton had detached his Indians on an expedition, reserving at 
the post he occupied only eighty regulars. Clarke instantly re- 
solved to seize this favorable moment. After detaching a small 
galley up the Wabash, with orders to place herself a few miles be- 
low Vincennes, and to permit nothing to pass her, he marched in 
the depth of winter, at the head of one hundred and thirty men 
through a wilderness, from Kaskaskia to Vincennes. This march 
required sixteen days, five of which were employed in crossing 
the drowned lands of the Wabash. The troops w^re under the 
necessity of wading five miles in the water, frequently up to their 
breasts. The town was completely surprised, and readily agreed 
to change its master. Flamilton, after defending the fort a short 
time, surrendered himself and his garrison prisoners of war. 

The plan which Congress had formed in the preceding winter 
for the conquest of Canada, seems to have been suspended, not 
abandoned. The alliance with France revived the latent wish to 
annex that territory to the United States ; and, towards autumn, a 
plan was completely digested for a combined attack on all the Bri- 
tish dominions on the continent, and on the adjacent islands of 
Cape Breton and Newfoundland. This plan was matured about 
the time the Marquis de Lafayette obtained leave to return to his 
own country, and was to be transmitted by him to Doctor Frank- 
lin with instructions to induce the French cabinet to accede to it. 
In October 1778, it was sent to General Washington with a re- 
quest that he would enclose it by the Marquis to Doctor Franklin, 
with his observations on it. 

This very extensive plan of operations, prepared in the cabinet 
without consulting a single military man, consisted of various parts. 

Two detachments, consisting of sixteen hundred men each, were 
to march from Pittsburg, and Wyoming, against Detroit, and 
Niagara. 

A third was to seize Oswego, and to secure the navigation of 
Lake Ontario. 

A fourth was to penetrate into Canada by the St. Francis, and 
to reduce Montreal and the posts on Lake Champlain ; while a 
fifth should guard against troops from Quebec. 

What western post was captured by Clarke ? Give the details of a plan 
formed by Congress for an attack upon all the Britisli possessions in North 
America. 



142 MARSHALL'S 

But Upper Canada being subdued, another campaign would be 
necessary for the reduction of Quebec, whose garrison might in 
the meantime be largely reinforced. It was therefore essential to 
the success of the enterprise that France should be induced to em- 
bark in it. 

It was proposed to request his Most Christian Majesty to furnish 
four or five thousand troops, to sail from Brest, the beginning of 
May, under convoy ; the troops to be clad as if for service in the 
West Indies, and thick clothes to be sent after them in August. A 
large American detachment was to act with this French army. It 
was supposed that Quebec and Halifax might be reduced by the 
middle of October, after which the conquest of Newfoundland 
might be accomplished. 

General Washington was forcibly struck with the impractica- 
bility of executing that part of this magnificent plan, which was 
to be undertaken by the United States, should the British armies 
continue in their country ; and with the serious mischief which 
would result, as well from diverting so large a part of the French 
force to an object he thought so unpromising, as from the ill im- 
pression that would be made on the court and nation by the total 
lailure of the American Government to execute its part of a plan 
originating with itself. 

A plan, too, consisting of so many parts, to be executed both in 
Europe and America, by land and by water, which required such 
a harmonious co-operation of the whole, such a perfect coincidence 
of events, appeared to him to be exposed to too many accidents, 
to risk upon it interests of such high value. 

In a long and serious letter to Congress, he apologized for not 
obeying their orders ; and, entering into a full investigation of the 
plan, demonstrated the dangers with which it was replete. This 
letter was referred to a committee, whose report admits the force 
of the reasons urged by the commander-in-chief against the expe- 
dition, and their own conviction that it ought not to be attempted, 
unless the British armies should be withdrawn from the United 
States. 

Men, however, recede slowly and reluctantly from favorite pro- 
jects on which they have long meditated ; and the committee pro- 
ceeded to state the opinion that the posts held by the British in the 
United States would probably be evacuated before the active part 
of the ensuing campaign ; and that eventual measures for the ex- 
pedition ought to be taken. For this purpose, the commander-in- 
chief was still required to write to the Marquis de Lafayette and 

Mention the reasons which induced the American commander-in-chief to 
disapprove this extensive project. Did he urge upon Congress its impracti- 
cabiUty ? Was that body ready to relinquish the scheme decidedly, or (J\d 
they consent only to postpone it ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 143 

to Dr. Franklin, that the subject might be laid before the cabinet 
of Versailles. 

This report, which was approved by Congress and transmitted 
to the commander-in-chief, embarrassed him greatly. In his an- 
swer, he repeated his objections to the plan, stated the difficulties 
he felt in performing the duties assigned to him, and requested, if 
they still persisted in their purpose, that they would give him more 
definite and explicit instructions. 

In the same letter he expressed his desire to make a full expo- 
sition of the condition of the army, and of the requisites necessary 
for carrying into execution an undertaking that might involve the 
most serious consequences. "If," he added, "Congress think 
this can be more satisfactorily done in a personal conference, I 
hope to have the army in such a situation before I can receive 
their answer, as to afford me an opportunity of giving my attend- 
ance." 

This request was acceded to ; and, on his arrival at Philadel- 
phia, a committee was appointed to confer with him. The result 
was that the expedition against Canada was entirely, though re- 
luctantly, given up. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Invasion of Georgia.— General Howe defeated by Colonel Campbell.— Savannah taken. 
— Sunbury surrenders.- Georgia reduced.— General Lincoln takes command of the 
Southern army.— Major Gardener defeated.— Tories in South Carolina defeated.— 
Ash surprised and defeated.— Prevost marches to Charleston.— Battle at Stono ferry. 
—Invasion of Virginia. 

It being no longer practicable to engage soldiers by vo- j-yr^g 
luntary enlistment, and government not daring to force 
men into the service for three years, or during the war, the vacant 
ranks were scantily supplied by drafts for nine, twelve, and eigh- 
teen months. A great proportion of the troops were discharged 
in the course of each year ; and, except that the veteran officers 
remained, almost a new army was to be formed for every cam- 
paign. 

Although the commander-in-chief pressed Congress and the 
state governments continually and urgently to take timely mea- 
sures for supplying the places of those who were leaving the ser- 
vice, the means adopted were so slow and ineffectual in their ope- 
ration, that the season for action always arrived before the prepa^ 
rations for it were completed. It was not until the 23d of January 
that Congress passed the resolution authorizing the commander- 
in-chief to re-enlist the army, nor until the 9th of March that the 
requisition was made on the several states for their quotas. 

Was the plan at last entirely abandoned ? What difficulties occurred with 
respect to filling up the ranks of the array ? 



144 MARSHALL'S 

The British arms had heretofore been chiefly directed against 
the Northern and Middle states — the strongest and most populous 
parts of the Union. Anticipating confidently the recovery of all 
the colonies, the government had formed no plan of partial con- 
quest. The loss of the army commanded by Burgoyne, the alli- 
ance of America with France, and the unexpected obstinacy with 
which the contest was maintained, had diminished this confidence ; 
and, when the pacific overtures made in 1778 were rejected, the 
resolution seems to have been taken to change the object of their 
military operations, and to direct their arms against the Southern 
states, on which, it was believed, a considerable impression might 
be made. 

With this view, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell sailed from the 
Hook about the last of November, 1778. He reached the isle of 
Tyber on the 23d of December, and, in a few days, the fleet pass- 
ed the bar, and anchored in the Savannah. 

The troops of South Carolina and Georgia were commanded 
by General Robert Howe, who, in the preceding summer, had in- 
vaded East Florida. The diseases incident to the climate having 
forced him to hasten out of the country, his army, consisting of 
six or seven hundred continental troops, and a few hundred militia, 
encamped in the neighborhood of the town of Savannah, situated 
on the southern bank of the river bearing that name. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell effected a landing on the .29th, 
about three miles below the town ; upon which Howe formed his 
line of battle. His left was secured by the river ; and a morass, 
believed to be impassable, stretched along the whole extent of his 
front, so far to the right as, in the opinion of the General, to cover 
that wing. 

Campbell advanced on the great road leading to Savannah ; 
and, about three in the afl:ernoon, appeared in sight of the Ameri- 
can army. While making dispositions to dislodge it, he was in- 
formed by a negro of a private path leading through the swamp 
round the right of the American line to its rear. A party was de- 
tached under Sir James Baird, which entered the morass by this 
path, unperceived by Howe. 

Sir James, on emerging from the swamp, attacked and dispersed 
a body of militia, which gave the first notice to the American 
General of the danger which threatened his rear. At the same 
instant, the British in his front were put in motion, and their artil- 
lery began to play upon him. A retreat was immediately ordered, 
and the flying troops were exposed to a most destructive fire from 
the detachment which had gained their rear. The few who es- 
caped crossed the Savannah at Zubly's ferry, and took refuge in 
South Carolina. 

The war being turned on the Southern states, wliat defeat was sustained 
by the Americans near Savannah ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 145 

The victory was complete. About one hundred Americans were 
killed, and thirty-eight officers and four hundred and fifteen pri- 
vates, were taken. Forty-eight pieces of cannon, twenty-three 
mortars, and all the military stores, were the fruits of this victory, 
which was obtained at the expense of seven killed and nineteen 
wounded. 

No military force remained in Georgia, except the garrison of 
Sunbury, whose retreat to South Carolina was cut oft". All the 
lower part of the state was in possession of the British, who, to 
secure the conquest they had made, treated the people with a 
lenity as wise as it was humane. In pursuance of a proclamation 
inviting the inhabitants to repair to the British standard, and pro- 
mising protection, military corps were formed, and posts of loyal- 
ists established for a considerable distance up the river. 

The northern frontier being supposed to be settled into a state 
of quiet. Colonel Campbell was about to proceed against Sunbury, 
when he received intelligence that the place had surrendered to 
General Prevost. 

Sir Henry Clinton had ordered that officer to co-operate from 
East Florida with Colonel Campbell. He entered the southern 
frontier of Georgia, and invested Sunbury, which surrendered at 
discretion. He then took command of the army, and detached 
Colonel Campbell to Augusta, which fell without resistance, and 
the whole state of Georgia was reduced. 

While the expedition commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Camp- 
bell was preparing at New York, Congress was meditating the 
conquest of East Florida. 

In compliance with the solicitations of the delegates from South 
Carolina and Georgia, Howe had been ordered, in September 1778, 
to repair to the head quarters of General Washington ; and Lin- 
coln, whose military reputation was high, had been directed to 
take command in the southern department. In pursuance of this 
resolution, Lincoln repaired to Charleston, where he found the 
military aftairs of the country in utter derangement. Congress 
had established no continental military-chest, and the army was 
dependent for supplies entirely on the state. The militia, too, 
though in continental service, were governed by the military cod 
of the state. 

When Lincoln received intelligence that the British fleet ha 
appeared off the coast, the militia of North Carolina had reached 
Charleston; but were unarmed, and Congress had been unable to 
provide magazines. Arms were not delivered to them by the 
states, until it was too late to save the capital of Georgia. On re- 

Did the British subdue the Slate of Georgia ? What American General 
was invested with the command of the southern department, and what was 
tlie condition of affairs when he reached Charleston ? 
13 



146 MARSHALL'S 

ceiving them, he proceeded towards the scene of action. On his 
march, he was informed of the victory gained over Howe ; and 
was soon afterwards joined by the remnant of the defeated army, 
at Purysburg, a small town on the north side of the Savannah, 
where he established his head quarters on the 30th of January. 

The effective force of Prevost must have amounted to at least 
three thousand British, and this number was augmented by loy- 
alists who joined him in Georgia. The American army rather 
exceeded three thousand six hundred men, of whom about one 
thousand were continental troops, part of them new levies ; and 
the rest militia. 

Major Gardner, who had been detached with two hundred men 
to take possession of the island of Port Royal, was attacked by 
General Moultrie, and compelled to retreat with considerable loss. 
This repulse checked the designs of Prevost on South Carolina. 

The loyaHsts of the west had been invited to assemble and join 
tlie king's standard at Augusta. About seven hundred embodied 
themselves on the frontiers of South Carolina, and were marching 
for that place when they were attacked at Kittle Creek, by Colonel 
Pickens, and defeated with considerable loss. Colonel Boyd, their 
leader, was killed, and five of those who escaped were executed 
as traitors. About three hundred reached Augusta. This defeat 
broke the spirits of the tories for a time. 

As the American army gained strength by reinforcements of 
militia. General Lincoln began to contemplate offensive operations. 
He had meditated an attempt on Augusta ; but before he was in 
readiness to make it, Prevost withdrew his troops from that place 
to Hudson's ferry. Lincoln then ordered General Ash to cross 
the Savannah, and take post near the confluence of Briar Creek 
with that river. This camp was believed to be unassailable. 

Prevost, having determined to dislodge the Americans from this 
position, drew the attention of General Lincoln to his preparations 
for crossing the Savannah, and amused General Ash with a feint 
cm his front, while Lieutenant-Colonel Prevost made a circuit of 
about fifty miles, and, crossing Briar Creek fifteen miles above the 
ground occupied by Ash, came down unsuspected on his rear, and 
was almost in his camp before his approach was perceived. The 
continental troops under General Elbert were drawn out to oppose 
liim, and aided by one regiment of North Carolina militia, com- 
menced the action with great gallantry, but were soon overpow- 
ered by numbers, and the survivors became prisoners of war. 
The main body of the militia threw away their arms and fled in 
confusion. The killed and taken amounted to between three and 

What defeat was sustained by the loyalists in Georgia ? In what manner 
was General Lincoln deceived by Prevost at Briar Creek, and what was tlie 
result of the action ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 147 

four hundred men. General Elbert and Colonel M'Intosh were 
among the prisoners. 

This victory was supposed to give the British such complete 
possession of Georgia, that a proclamation was issued the succeed- 
ing day, for the establishment of civil government. 

These disasters animated the state of South Carolina to still 
greater exertions. The legislature passed an act authorizing the 
executive to do whatever should be thought necessary for tl^e 
public good ; and the militia were called out in great numbers. 

General Lincoln resumed his plan for the recovery of the upper 
posts of Georgia ; and, on the 23d of April, marched up the Sa- 
vannah. The high waters seemed to present an impassable bar- 
rier to an invading army ; and a small mihtary force was thought 
insufficient for the defence of the country. Eight hundred militia 
and two hundred continental troops were left with General Moultrie 
for this purpose. 

In the hope of recalling Lincoln by alarming him for Charles- 
ton, Prevost crossed the Savannah with three thousand men, and 
obliged Moultrie to retreat. The militia would not defend the 
passes, and deserted in numbers. An express was despatched to 
Lincoln, but he, not believing that Prevost had any real designs 
on Charleston, detached three hundred light troops to the aid ol 
Moultrie, and crossing the Savannah, continued his march down 
the south side of that river towards the capital of Georgia. 

Though the original purpose of Prevost had been limited to the 
defence of Georgia, the opposition he encountered was so incon- 
siderable, and the assurances of the favorable dispositions of the 
people were so confidently given by those who flocked to his 
standard, that he was emboldened to hazard the continuation of 
his march to Charleston. 

On receiving intelligence of this threatening aspect of affairs, 
Lincoln recrossed the Savannah, and hastened to the relief of 
South Carolina. 

Had Prevost continued his march with the rapidity with which 
it was commenced, Charleston must have fallen; but he consumed 
two or three days in deliberating on his future measures ; and whik 
he deliberated, that state of things which determined him to pro- 
ceed w^as rapidly changing. Fortifications on the land-side wei-e 
vigorously prosecuted, the neighboring militia were called into 
town, the reinforcements detached by Lincoln, with the remnant 
of the legion of Pulaski, arrived, and the Governor, on the 19th 
\ of May, entered the town at the head of some troops who had 
been stationed at Orangeburg. The next day Prevost crossed 

Mention the various movements connected with the advance of the British 
army upon Charleston, and the means of defending the city possessed by the 
Americans. 



148 MARSHALL'S 

. jg Ashly river, and encamped just without cannon-shot of 
°* * the works. The town was summoned to surrender, and 
the day was spent in sending and receiving flags. The terms of 
capitulation not being agreed on, the garrison prepared to sustain 
an assault. But Prevost came to the prudent resolution of de- 
camping that night and recrossing Ashly river. 

The British army retired slowly through the islands south of 
Charleston. Soon after the commencement of their retreat. Gen- 
eral Lincoln arrived ; and, on the 28th of June, attacked a forti- 
fied camp on the main, at Stono ferry, which was defended by 
eight hundred men, commanded by Colonel Maitland. Strong re- 
inforcements arriving from the island, the assailants retired with 
the loss of twenty-four oflicers and one hundred and twenty-five 
privates killed and wounded. That of the British was stated to 
be rather less. 

The heat now became too excessive for active service ; and 
Prevost, afler establishing a post on the island contiguous to Port 
Ro^^al and St. Helena, retired into Georgia and East Florida. 

The American militia dispersed, leaving General Lincoln at the 
head of about eight hundred men, with whom he retired to Shel- 
don, v,'hGre his primary object was to prepare for the next campaign. 

Orders had been given to reinforce the southern army with 
Bland's and Baylor's regiments of cavalry, and the new levies of 
Virginia. The execution of these orders was suspended by the 
invasion of that state. 

On the 9th of May, a fleet, commanded by Sir George Collier, 
convo5dng a body of troops commanded by General Matthews, 
entered the Chesapeake, and anchored the next day in Hampton 
Roads. 

Virginia had raised a regiment of artillery for the performance 
of garrison duty, which had been distributed along the eastern 
frontier in slight fortifications, defensible only on the side of the 
water. Fort Nelson, garrisoned by about one hundred and fifty 
soldiers, commanded by Major Matthews, was designed for the 
protection of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and a marine j^rd at Gos- 
port, a little above them. 

On the 10th the fleet entered Elizabeth river, and landed a body 
of troops three miles below the fort, which was evacuated in the 
night. From his head quarters at Portsmouth, General Matthews 
detaciied small parties to the neighboring towns, who took posses- 
sion of military and naval stores to a great amount, and of several 
vessels richly laden. After destroying what could not be removed, 
he returned to New York. 

When the Britisli force was in retreat from Charleston, what action took 
place ? Relate tlie particulars of the invasion of Virginia by an expedition 
under Sir George Collier. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 149 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Liscoiiteiits in a part of the American army.— Colonel Van Schaick destroys an Indian 
settlement.— Fort Fayette surrenders to the British.— Invasion of Connecticut.— Gen 
eral Wayne storms Stony Point.— Expedition against Penobscot.— Powles' Hook 
surprised by Major Dean.— Arrival of Admiral Arbuthnot.— Of the Count D'Esiaing 
— Siege of Savannah. — Unsuccessful attempt to storm the place. — Siege rai.sed.— 
Victory of General Sullivan over the Indians. — Spain declares war against England* 
—The army goes into vi'inter quarters. 

The barbarities committed by the Indians during the ^j^q 
preceding year had added motives of resentment and hu- 
manity to those of national interest for employing a large force 
in the protection of the western frontier. The state governments 
also took a strong interest in the subject ; and Connecticut, New 
York, and Pennsylvania, had severally applied to Congress, urg- 
ing the adoption of vigorous measures in that quarter. These 
papers were referred to the committee appointed to confer with 
General Washington, in conformity with whose report, it was 
resolved, " that the commander-in-chief be directed to take effi- 
cient measures for the protection of the inhabitants, and the chas- 
tisement of the savages." 

General Washington had always believed that it was impossible 
to defend the immense western frontier by any chain of posts ; 
and that the country could be protected only by offensive war. 
His ideas had been communicated to, and approved by, Congress. 

The Six Nations had made some advances towards acquiring 
the comforts of civilized life. Some few of their towns were at- 
tached to the United States, but most of them were under the in- 
fluence of the British. It was determined to lead a sufficient force 
into these villages, and to destroy their settlements. 

As the army destined for this expedition was about to mov'B, 
alarming symptoms of discontent appeared in a part of it. The 
Jersey brigade, which had been stationed during the winter at Eliza- 
bethtown, was ordered, early in May, to march by regiments. 
This order was answered by a letter from General Maxwell, 
stating that the officers of the first regiment had delivered a re- 
monstrance to their Colonel, addressed to the legislature of the 
state, declaring, that unless their complaints on the subjects of 
pay and support should obtain the immediate attention of that 
body, they were, at the expiration of three days, to be considered 
as having resigned. General Maxwell expressed his conviction 
that this step would be taken by all. 

This intelligence made a serious impression on the commander- 

What were the views of Washington with respect to the best method of 
proceeding against the Indians ? What was determined on, and what caiise 
delayed the expedition ? 
13* 



150 MARSHALL'S 

in-chief. He was strongly attached to the army and to its inte- 
rests — had witnessed its virtue and its sufferings ; and could no 
more deny the justice of the complaints made by the officers, than 
he could approve the measure they had adopted. In his letter to 
General Maxwell, designed to be laid before them, he made the 
strongest appeals to their patriotism, their honor, their military 
pride, and their real interest; and urged them, by these powerfu 
motives, to abandon the resolution they had taken, and continue 
in the performance of their duty. He suggested, too, the rea 
difficulties with which government was surrounded — difficulties 
which ought to excuse, to a considerable extent, its apparent inat- 
tention to their wants. It required all his influence to prevent the 
mischief threatened by this rash measure. While the officers still 
remained with their regiment, but no definitive step was taken, 
the legislature of Jersey, alarmed at this state of things, was at 
length induced to make some provision for them, they consenting 
to withdraw their remonstrance ; and the troops marched accord- 
ing to their orders. 

In communicating this transaction to Congress, General Wash- 
ington took occasion to repeat his remonstrances on the neces- 
sity of some general and adequate provision for the officers of the 
arm5^ 

Before the troops destined for the grand expedition could be put 
in motion, an enterprise was undertaken against the towns of the 
Onondagas, the nearest of the hostile tribes of Indians. Colonel 
Van Schaick marched from fort Schuyler in the morning of the 
19th of April, at the head of between five and six hundred men, 
and on the third day, reached the point of destination. The whole 
settlement was destroyed ; and the detachment returned without 
the loss of a single man. The thanks of Congress were voted to 
Colonel Van Schaick and the officers and soldiers under his com- 
mand. 

The relative strength and situation of the parties rendered it 
nnprobable that any other offensive operation than that against 
the Indians could be carried on by the Americans, in the course 
of the present campaign. The British troops in New York and 
Rhode Island were computed at between sixteen and seventeen 
thousand men. The grand total of the American army, exclu- 
sive of those in the south and west, including officers of every 
description, amounted to about sixteen thousand ; of whom three 
thousand were in New England, under the command of General 
Gates. On their part, therefore, the plan of the campaign was 
necessaril}^ defensive. 

What successful expedition was carried on against the Onondaga In- 
dians ? What was the respective force of the British and American armies, 
at this time ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 151 

After the destruction efforts Clinton and Montgomery, in 1777 
It had been determined to construct ihe fortifications intended for 
the future defence of the North river, at West Point ; a position 
which, being more completely embosoned in the hills, was deemed 
more defensible. The works had been prosecuted with industry, 
but were far from being completed. 

Some miles below West Point, about the termination of the 
highlands, is King's ferry, where the great road affording the 
most convenient communication between the middle and eastern 
states crosses the river. The ferry is commanded by the two op- 
posite points of land. That on the west side, a rough and elevated 
piece of ground, is denominated Stony Point. The other, a flat 
neck, projecting far into the water, is called Verplank's Point. 
Washington had comprehended these points in his plan of defence 
for the highlands. A small but strong work termed fort Fayette, 
was completed at Verplank's, and was garrisoned by a company 
commanded by Captain Armstrong. The works on Stony Point 
were unfinished. Sir Henry Clinton determined to open the cam- 
paign by a brilliant coup de main up the North river. 

His preparations were communicated to General Washington, 
who penetrated his designs, and took measures to counteract them. 
Putnam and M'Dougal, who commanded on the north side of the 
Hudson, were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march ; 
and, on the 29th of May, the troops at Middlebrook moved by 
divisions towards the highlands. On the 30th, the British army, 
convoyed by Sir George Collier, proceeded up the river. The 
largest division, led by General Vaughan, landed next morning 
about eight miles below Verplank's ; and another division under the 
particular command of General Patterson, but accompanied by Sir 
Henry Clinton, landed on the west side within three miles of Stony 
Point. That place was abandoned, and General Patterson took 
immediate possession of it. The next morning he opened a bat- 
tery on fort Fayette within one thousand yards. Two galleys 
passed the fort in the night, and prevented the escape of the gar- 
rison, which surrendered to the enemy. Immediate directions 
were given for completing the works at both posts. After theii 
completion. Sir Henry Clinton placed a strong garrison in each, 
and finding the position of the Americans at West Point too strong 
to be forced, returned down the river to Philipsburg. 

The relative situation of the hostile armies presenting insupera- 
ble obstacles to any great operation, they coul(J act offensively 
only in detached expeditions. Connecticut was particularly ex- 
posed to invasion ; and the activity of his cruisers in the Sound, 

Mention the posts held by the Americans on the North river. Did the 
British general form a plan for attacking these forts ? To what extent was 
he successful ? 



152 MARSHALL'S 

as well as the large quantity of provisions with which she sup- 
plied the army, furnished great inducements to Sir Henry Clinton 
to direct his enterprises against that state. An expedition was 
therefore fitted out against Connecticut, the command of which 
was given to Governor Tryon. He reached New Haven bay on 
the 5th of July, with about two thousand six hundred men ; and 
his appearance gave the first intimation of his approach. 

The militia assembled in considerable numbers with alacrity ; 
but the military and naval stores found at New Haven were de- 
stroyed ; after which Tryon proceeded to Fairfield, which was 
reduced to ashes. The good countenance showed by the militia 
is attested by the apology made by Tryon for this destruction of 
private property. " The village was burnt," he says, " to resent 
the fire of the rebels from their houses, and to mask our retreat." 

About the same time a still larger detachment from the British 
army directed its course towards Horse Neck, and made demon- 
strations of a design to penetrate into the country in that direction. 

On the night of the 11th, Tryon sailed from Huntington bay 
and landed at the Cow Pasture, a peninsula on the east side of the 
bay of Norwalk. On the morning of the 12th, as soon as his 
troops were in motion, he was attacked by General Parsons, at the 
head of about one hundred and fifty continental troops supported 
by considerable numbers of militia. Parsons kept up an irregular 
distant fire throughout the day ; but being too weak to protect any 
particular town on the coast, Norwalk was reduced to ashes ; after 
which the British re-embarked and returned to Huntingdon bay, 
there to wait for reinforcements. Before their arrival, Tryon was 
directed to meet Sir Henry Clinton at the White Stone, where it 
was determined to proceed against New London with an increased 
force. But before this determination could be carried into execu- 
tion, Sir Henry Clinton found it necessary to recall Tryon to the 
Hudson. 

General Washington had planned an enterprise against the posts 
at King's ferry ; but the difficulty of a perfect co-operation of de- 
tachments incapable of communicating with each other, deter- 
mined him to postpone the attack on Verplank's, and to make that 
part of the plan dependent on the success of the other. 

The execution of this enterprise was entrusted to General 
Wayne, who commanded the light infantry of the army. The 
night of the 15th, and the hour of twelve, were chosen for the 
assault. 

Stony Point is a commanding hill, projecting fa^r into the Hud- 
son, which washes three-fourths of its base. The remaining fourth 

Mention the several predatory expeditions which were sent along the coast 
by the British in New York. What enterprise was now undertaken by 
General Washington ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 153 

is, in a great measure, covered by a deep marsh, over which there 
is but one crossing-place ; but at its junction with the river, is a 
sandy beach, passable at low tide. The place was skilfully for- 
tified, and garrisoned by six hundred men commanded by Colonel 
Johnson. 

General Wayne arrived about eight in the afternoon at Spring 
Steel's, one and a half miles from the fort ; and made his disposi- 
tions to attack the works on the right and left flanks at the same 
instant. The regiments of Febiger and of Meigs, with Major 
Hull's detachment, formed the right column ; and Butler's regiment 
with two companies under Major Murfree, formed the left. One 
hundred and fifty volunteers, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury and 
Major Posey, constituted the van of the right ; and one hundred 
volunteers under Major Stewart composed the van of the left. At 
half-past eleven the two columns moved to the assault, the van of 
each with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets, preceded by a 
forlorn hope of twenty men, the one commanded by Lieutenant 
Gibbon, and the other by Lieutenant Knox. They reached the 
marsh undiscovered, and at twenty minutes after twelve com- 
menced the assault. 

Both columns rushed forward under a tremendous fire. They 
entered the works at the point of the bayonet ; and, without dis- 
charging a single musket, obtained possession of the fort. 

The humanity displayed by the conquerors was not less con- 
spicuous, nor less honorable, than their courage. Not an mdivi- 
dual suffered after resistance had ceased. 

All the troops engaged in this perilous service manifested a high 
degree of ardour and impetuosity ; and all distinguished them- 
selves, whose situation enabled them to do so. Colonel Fleury was 
the first to enter the fort, and strike the British standard. Major 
Posey mounted the works almost at the same instant, and was the 
first to give the watch- word — " The fort's our own." Lieutenants 
Gibbon and Knox performed the service allotted to them with a 
degree of intrepidity which could not be surpassed. Of the twenty 
men who constituted the party of the former, seventeen were 
killed or wounded. 

Sixty-three of the garrison were killed, including two officers. 
The prisoners amounted to five hundred and forty -three, among 
whom were one Lieutenant-Colonel, four captains, and twenty 
subalterns. The military stores taken in the fort were considerable. 

The loss sustained by the assailants did not exceed one hundred 
men. General Wayne, who marched with Febiger's regiment, 
received a slight wound in the head which stunned him for a short 

What fort was stormed by the Americans under General Wayne ? Was 
the attack successful ? Mention the number of killed and wounded on each 
side? 



154 ^ MARSHALL'S 

time, but did not compel him to leave the column. Supported by 
his aids, he entered the fort with the regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hay was also among the wounded. 

According to the original plan, the attack on Verplank's was 
immediately to have followed the surrender of Stony Point. In 
consequence of some inadvertencies which cannot be accounted 
for, it was not made. Notice of the success at Stony Point was 
not given to the detachment ordered on this service, in consequence 
of which the favorable moment was not seized ; and before pre- 
parations were made for regular operations, Sir Henry Clinton re- 
linquished his designs on Connecticut, and by a rapid movement 
relieved fort Fayette. 

The possession of Verplank's Point by the enemy, closing the 
road leading over King's ferry. General Washington determined 
to evacuate Stony Point, and retire to the highlands. Sir Henry 
repossessed himself of that post ; and, after placing a stronger 
garrison in it, retired first to Philipsburg, and afterwards to York 
Island. 

Colonel M'Clean with between six and seven hundred men had 
perpetrated, early in June, from Nova Scotia into the eastern part 
of Maine, where he had taken possession of a peninsula on the 
eastern side of the Penobscot, and had thrown up entrenchments 
on the isthmus connecting it with the continent. The state of 
Massachusetts determined to dislodge him. A respectable fleet 
commanded by Commodore Saltonstal, and an army of near four 
thousand .ilen under General Lovell, were prepared with so much 
celerity, that the whole armament appeared in the Penobscot as 
early as the 25th of July. 

General Lovell effected a landing on the western part of the 
peninsula, where he ascended a precipice of two hundred feet ; 
and, with the loss of fifty men, drove the party which defended 
it from the ground. A battery was erected within seven hundred 
and fifty yards of the main work of the besieged, and a warm 
cannonade was kept up for several days on both sides. 

On the application of the government of Massachusetts, Gen- 
eral Gates ordered Jackson's regiment to Penobscot, and prepara- 
tions were made to storm the works on his arrival. 

Such was the posture of affairs on the 1 3th of August, when 
Lovell received information that Sir George Collier had entered 
the river with a superior naval force. He re-embarked his whole 
army ; and, in the hope of gaining time until the transports might 
convey his land forces up the river, drew up his flotilla, as if de- 
termined to maintain his position. The British Admiral was too 

Did the Americans retain Stony Point? Where were the British esta- 
hlished in Maine, and what expedition was sent by the Americans to dispo* 
sess them ? Was the effort successful ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 155 

confident in his strength to permit this stratagem to succeed ; and, 
as he approached, the Americans sought for safety in flight. A 
general chase, and unresisted destruction, ensued. The troops 
landed in a wild uncultivated country, and were obliged to explore 
their way through a pathless wilderness, for more than a hundred 
miles. Exhausted with famine and fatigue, they at length gained 
the settled parts of the state. 

While Sir Henry Clinton was encamped just above Haarlem, 
and the American army continued in the highlands, Major Lee, 
who was employed to watch the enemy on the west side of the 
Hudson, obtained intelligence which suggested the idea of sur- 
prising and carrying off the garrison at Powles' Hook, a neck of 
land immediately opposite the town of New York, penetrating 
deep into the river. Some works had been constructed on the 
point nearest New York, which were garrisoned by five or six 
hundred men. 

A deep ditch which could be passed only at low water, had 
been cut across the isthmus. Thirty paces within it was a row of 
abatis running into the river, and some distance in front of it a 
creek fordable only in two places. This difficulty of access, added 
to the remoteness of the nearest corps of the American army, im- 
pressed the garrison with the opinion that they were perfectly se- 
cure, and this opinion produced an unmilitary remissness in the 
commanding officer, which did not escape the vigilance of Lee. 

General Washington withheld his assent from this enterprise 
until satisfied that the assailants could make good their retreat. 
The long and narrow necks of land formed by the water courses 
which run almost parallel with the North river, along which the 
British troops were encamped above Powles' Hook, afforded points 
of interception of which the enemy would certainly avail himself 
should the American party be discovered. To diminish this 
danger, it was intended to occupy the roads leading through the 
mountains of the Hudson to the Hackensack. 

Early preparatory arrangements being made, a detachment 
from the division of Lord Sterling was ordered down as a foraging 
party. His lordship followed with the residue of his division, and 
encamped at the New Bridge, on the Hackensack. 

Major Lee, at the head of three hundred men, part a ^^ i q 
of the foraging detachment, took the road through the ^' 
mountains which run parallel to the North river; and, having 
guarded the passes into York Island, reached the creek which sur- 
rounds the Hook, between two and three in the morning. About 
three he entered the main work, and with the loss of only two 

What post, opposite the city of New York, was carelessly garrisoned by 
the British ? Mention the American ofKcer who led his corps against it. 
Was the attempt attended with success ? 



156 MARSHALL'S 

killed and three wounded, made one hundred and fifty-nine pri- 
soners, including three officers. Very few of the British were 
killed. Major Sutherland who commanded the garrison, saved 
himself with forty or fifty Hessians in a strong redoubt. Major 
Lee hastened to bring off his prisoners and his detachment. The 
retreat was effected with immense toil and great address. 

This critical enterprise reflected much honor on the partisan 
with whom it originated, and by whom it was conducted. General 
Washington announced it to the army in his orders with much 
approbation ; and Congress bestowed upon it a degree of applause 
more apportioned to the talent displayed in performing the service, 
than to its magnitude. 

A few days after the surprise of Powles' Hook, Admiral Ar- 
buthnot arrived at New York with a strong reinforcement to the 
British army. He was soon followed by the Count D'Estaing, 
who arrived on the southern coast of America with twenty-two 
ships of the line, having on board six thousand soldiers ; after 
which Sir Henry Clinton deemed it necessary to turn his attention 
to his own security. Rhode Island was evacuated, and the whole 
army was collected in New York. 

It was immediately determined to lay siege to Savannah, the 
head quarters of General Prevost. D'Estaing was to land three 
thousand men at Beaulieu on the 11th of September, and Lincoln 
was to cross the Savannah on the same day with one thousand 
Americans and to effect a junction with him. 

On the 11th, General Lincoln reached Zubly's ferry, and on the 
J. 5th was assured that the French had disembarked in force. A 
junction of the two armies was formed the next day. 

After bringing up the heavy ordnance and stores from the fleet, 
the besieging army broke ground ; and, by the first of October, 
had pushed their sap within three hundred yards of the abatis on 
the left of the British lines. 

The situation of D'Estaing was becoming critical. More time 
had already been consumed on the coast of Georgia than he had 
supposed would be required for the destruction of the British force 
in that state. He became uneasy for the possessions of France 
in the West Indies, and apprehensive for the safety of his ships. 
The naval officers remonstrated strenuously against longer expos- 
ing his fleet on an insecure coast, at a tempestuous season. 

In a few days the lines of the besiegers might have been carried 
into the works of the besieged, which would have rendered the 
capture of the town and garrison inevitable. But D'Estaing de- 
clared that he could devote no more time to this object ; and it 

Where did the British concentrate their troops ? What accessions of 
strength to each of the belligerents arrived from Europe ? What place was 
besieged by the French and Americans ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 157 

only remained to raise the siege, or to attempt the works by storm. 
The latter part of the alternative was adopted. 

On the left of the allied army was a swampy hollow way, 
which afforded a cover for troops advancing on the right flank of 
the besieged, to a point within fifty yards of their principal work. 
It was determined to march to the main attack along this hollow ; 
and, at the same time, to direct feints against other parts of the 
lines. 

Before day on the 9th of October, a heavy cannonade was com- 
menced as preliminary to the assault. Three thousand five hun- 
dred French, and one thousand Americans, of whom between six 
and seven hundred were regulars and the residue militia of 
Charleston, advanced in columns led by D'Estaing and Lincoln, 
aided by the principal officers of both nations, and made a furious 
assault on the British lines. Their reception was warmer than 
had been expected. The fire from the batteries of the besieged 
did great execution. Yet the assailants advanced with unabated 
ardor, passed through the abatis, crossed the ditch, and mounted 
the parapet. Both the French and Americans planted their stand- 
ards on the walls, and were killed in great numbers, while endea- 
vouring to force their way into the works. For near an hour the 
contest was extremely obstinate : at length, the columns of the 
assailants began to pause, and the vigor of the assault to relax. 

At this critical moment Major Glaziers, at the head of a body 
of grenadiers and marines, rushing from the lines, on those who 
had made their way into the redoubts, drove them over the ditch 
and abatis into the hollow through which they had marched to 
the attack. It became apparent that farther perseverance could 
produce no advantage, and a retreat was ordered. 

In this unsuccessful attempt, the French lost in killed and 
wounded about seven hundred men. Among the latter were the 
Count D'Estaing, Major-General de Fontanges, and several other 
officers of distinction. The continental troops lost two hundred 
and thirty-four men, and the Charleston militia had one captain 
killed and six privates wounded. The loss of the garrison, in 
killed and wounded, amounted only to fifty-five. So great was the 
advantage of the cover afforded by their works. 

After this repulse, the Count D'Estaing announced to General 
Lincoln his determination to raise the seige. The remonstrances 
of that officer were unavailing ; and both armies moved from their 
ground on the 18th of October. The Americans recrossing the 
Savannah, again encamped in South Carolina, and the French 
re-embarked. The militia dispersed; and the affairs of the 

State the order of attack, when the French and Americans assaulted Sa- 
vannah. What was the result of the attempt ? Mention the loss of the 
parties respectively. Was the siege persisted in, or abandoned ? 
14 



158 MARSHALL'S 

southern states wore a more gloomy aspect than at any former 
period. 

Congress passed resolutions requesting General Washington to 
order the troops of North Carolina, and such others as could be 
spared from the northern army, to the aid of that in the south ; 
and assuring the states of South Carolina and Georgia, of the 
attention of government to their security. 

Durino- these transactions in the South, the long-meditated ex- 
pedition against the Indians was prosecuted with success. 

The largest division of the western army was to assemble at 
Wyoming. iVnother passed the winter on the Mohawk. On the 
22d of August, these two divisions, amounting to five thousand 
men, united, and marched up the Tioga, which led into the heart 
of the Indian country. They resolved to risk a battle in defence 
of their settlements, and selected their ground with judgment. 

About a mile in front of Newtown, the Indians collected their 
whole force, estimated by General Sullivan at fifteen hundred men, 
by themselves at eight hundred. Five companies of whites, 
amounting to two hundred men, were united with them. They had 
constructed a breastwork half a mile in length, on a piece of ris- 
ing ground. The right flank of this work was covered by the 
river, which, bending to the right, and winding round their rear, 
exposed only their front and left to an attack. On the left was a 
high ridge nearly parallel to the general course of the river, ter- 
minating somewhat below the breastwork ; and, still farther to the 
left, was another ridge running in the same direction, and leading 
to the rear of the American army. The ground was covered with 
pine, interspersed with low shrub oaks, many of which, for the 
purpose of concealing their works, had been cut up and stuck in 
front of them, so as to exhibit the appearance of being still grow- 
ing. The road, after crossing a deep brook at the foot of the hill, 
turned to the right, and ran nearly parallel to the breastwork, so 
as to expose the whole flank of the army to their fire, if it should 
advance without discovering their position. Parties were stationed 
on both hills, so as to fall on the right flank and rear of Sullivan, 
so soon as the action should commence. 

About eleven in the morning of the 29th of August, this work 
was discovered by Major Par, who commanded the advance guard 
of the army ; upon which General Hand formed the light infantry 
in a wood, about four hundred yards distant from the enemy, and 
waited the arrival of the main body. A continual skirmishing 
was kept up between Par's rifle corps and small parties of Indians 

What expedition was now arranged, for the chastisement of the savagea ? 
State their numbers, and defensive works. What officer first came in contact 
with the Indians, and how was the battle brought on ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 159 

who sallied from their works, and suddenly retreated, apparently 
with the hope of being incautiously pursued. 

Sullivan ordered General Poor to take possession of the hill 
which led into his rear, and, thence, to turn the leil, and gain the 
rear of the breastwork, while Hand, aided by the artillery, should 
attack in front. These orders were promptly executed. While 
the artillery played on the front. Poor pushed up the mountain and 
commenced a sharp conflict with the Indians occupying it, which 
was sustained for some time with considerable spirit. Poor con 
tinued to advance rapidly, pressing the enemy with the bayonet, 
until he gained the summit of the hill. The savages perceiving 
that their flank was uncovered, and that they were in danger of 
being surrounded, abandoned their breastwork, and fled with the 
utmost precipitation. 

This victory cost the Americans thirty men. The loss of the 
Indians was also inconsiderable ; but they were so intimidated that 
every idea of farther resistance was abandoned ; and, as Sullivan 
advanced, they continued to retreat before him. 

He penetrated into the heart of the country, which his parties 
laid w^aste in every direction. Houses, corn-fields, gardens, and 
fruit-trees, shared one common fate ; and Sullivan executed strictly 
the severe but necessary orders he had received, to render the 
country uninhabitable. 

The object of the expedition being accomplished, the army re- 
turned to Easton in Pennsylvania, having lost only forty men. 
Congress passed a resolution approving his conduct and that of his 
army. 

While Sullivan laid waste the country on the Susquehanna, 
another expeditiofi under Colonel Brodhead was carried on from 
Pittsburg up the Alleghany. He advanced two hundred miles up 
the river, and destroyed the villages and corn-fields on its head 
branches. Here, too, the Indians were unable to resist the invad- 
ing army ; and after one unsuccessful skirmish, abandoned their 
villages to a destruction which was inevitable, and sought for per- 
sonal safety in their woods. 

Although these great exertions did not afibrd complete security 
to the western frontier, they were attended with considerable ad- 
vantages. The savages were intimidated ; and their incursions 
became less formidable, as well as less frequent. 

The summer of 1777 passed away without producing any cir- 
cumstance in America having a material influence on the issue of 
the war. In Europe, however, an event took place which had been 
long anxiously expected, and was believed to be of decisive im- 

Mention the result of the action, and the loss of each party. What expedi- 
tion, of a similar nature, was despatched from Pittsburg ? State the result 
Did these punishments check the savages ? 



160 MARSHALL'S 

portance. Spain at length determined to make one common cause 
with France against Great Britain. Despatches giving notice of 
this determination were forwarded to Don Galvez, the governor of 
Louisiana, who collected a considerable military force at New Or- 
leans, and reduced the settlements held by the British crown on 
the Mississippi, which had not been apprized of the war. 

On receiving information that D'Estaing had sailed for the West 
Indies, Sir Henry Clinton resumed his plan of active operations 
against the southern states. A large body of troops commanded 
by himself sailed from the Hook, towards the end of December, 
convoyed by a fleet commanded by Admiral Arbuthnot. The 
defence of New York and its dependencies was entrusted to Gen- 
eral Knyphausen. 

The preparations made in New York for some distant enter- 
prise were communicated to General Washington, who conjectured 
the object, and hastened the march of the troops designed to rein- 
force General Lincoln. 

The season for action in a northern climate being over, the 
commander-in-chief turned his attention to the distribution of his 
troops in winter quarters. One division of the army, commanded 
by General Heath, was to be encamped in huts in the highlands 
of the North river. Its chief object was the security of West 
Point, and of the posts on the river as low as King's ferry. Sub- 
ordinate to this was the protection of the country on the Sound, 
and dov/n the Hudson to the neighborhood of Kingsbridge. The 
other and principal division, under the immediate command of 
General Washington, was put under cover, late in December, in 
the neighborhood of Morristown. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

South Carolina invaded.— The British fleet passes the bar and enters the harbor of 
Charleston.— Opinion of General Washington that the place should be evacuated. — 
Sir Henry Clinton invests the town. — Tarlton surprises an American corps atMonlsfg 
Corner.— Fort Moultrie surrendered.— Tarlton defeats Colonel White.— Charleston 
capitulates. — Buford defeated. — Arrangements for the government of South Carolina 
and Georgia. — Sir Henry Clinton embarks for New York. — General Gates takes 
command of the southern army.— Is defeated near Camden.— Death of De Kalb.— 
Success of Sumpter.— He is defeated. 

nijQQ Admiral Arbuthnot arrived off Savannah on the 31st 

of January. One of his transports had been brought into 

Charleston harbor, on the 23d of that month ; and the prisoners 

gave the first certain intelligence that the expedition from New 

York was destined against the capital of South Carolina. 

What European poorer now joined France and America in hostilities 
against Britain ? What was now tlie design of General Clinton ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 161 

Before the middle of February, the fleet entered the inlet of 
North Edisto ; and the troops were landed on St. John's Island. 
A part of the fleet was sent round to blockade the harbor of 
Charleston, while the army proceeded slowly and cautiously from 
Stono creek to Wappoo cut, and through the islands of St. John 
and St. James. 

This delay was employed to the utmost advantage in improving 
the defences of Charleston. Six hundred slaves were employed 
on the works ; and vigorous though not very successful measures 
were taken by the executive to assemble the militia. 

The American army being too weak to make any serious op- 
position to the progress of the enemy through the country, the 
cavalry, with a small corps of infantry, were directed to hover on 
their left flank, and the other troops, consisting of about fourteen 
hundred regulars and a few militia, were drawn into the town, and 
employed on the works. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Tarlton had been ordered to cover the 
margh of a reinforcement from Georgia, under the command of 
General Patterson. In one of the excursions of this active officer 
to disperse the militia, his cavalry encountered Lieutenant -Colonel 
Washington, who commanded the remnant of Baylor's regiment, 
and was driven back with loss; but the want of infantry prevented 
Washington from pressing his advantage. 

The command of the harbor is of great importance to the de- 
fence of Charleston. To procure this advantage. Congress had 
ordered four frigates to South Carolina, which, with the marine 
force of the state, and two French vessels, were placed under the 
command of Commodore Whipple. It had been understood that 
the bar was impassable by a ship of the line, and that even a large 
frigate could not be brought over it without first taking out her 
guns, or careening her so much that the crew would be unable to 
work her. 

This naval force, it was hoped, might defend the entrance int ) 
the harbor ; but, on sounding within the bar, it was discovered 
that the water was too shallow for the frigates to act with effect, 
and that they would be exposed to the batteries which the assail- 
ants had erected. 

The intention of disputing the passage over the bar was aban- 
doned, and Commodore Whipple moved his squadron in a line 
with fort Moultrie, in a narrow passage between Sullivan's Island 
and the middle ground. The British ships, without their guns, 
passed the bar, and anchored in five-fathom hole. 

It being now thought impossible to prevent the fleet from passing 

What military and naval preparations were made by the Americans for 
the defence of Charleston ? What difficulty as to depth of water lesseupd 
the capacity to act efficiently ? 
14* 



162 MARSHALL'S 

fort Moultrie and entering Cooper river, the plan of defence was 
once more changed, and the armed vessels were sunk in that 
river, in a line from the town to Shute's folly. 

This was the critical moment for evacuating the town. The 
loss of the harbor rendered the defence of the place, if not des- 
perate, too improbable to have been persisted in by a person who 
was not deceived by the expectation of much more considerable 
aids than were received. 

In reply to a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, commu 
nicating the actual state of things. General Washington said, 
" The impracticability of defending the bar, I fear, amounts to the 
loss of the town and garrison. At this distance it is impossible to 
judge for you. I have the greatest confidence in General Lincoln's 
prudence ; but it really appears to me, that the propriety of at- 
tempting to defend the town depended on the probability of defend- 
ing the bar ; and that when this ceased, the attempt ought to have 
been relinquished. In this, however, I suspend a definitive judg- 
ment, and wish you to consider what I say as confidential." • Un- 
fortunately, this letter did not arrive in time to influence the con- 
duct of the besieged. 

On the night of the 1st of April, Sir Henry Clinton broke 
ground within eight hundred yards of the American lines. 

While the besiegers were employed on their first parallel. Gen- 
eral Woodford, who had marched from Morristown, in December, 
entered the town with the old continental troops of the Virginia 
line, now reduced to seven hundred effectives. General Hogan, 
with the line of North Carolina, had arrived before him. The 
garrison consisted of rather more than two thousand regular 
troops, of one thousand North Carolina militia, and of the citizens 
of Charleston. The exertions of the Governor to bring in the 
militia of South Carolina had not succeeded. 

By the 9th of April, Sir Henry Clinton completed liis first 
parallel ; and about the same time. Admiral Arbuthnot passed 
Sullivan's Island, under a heavy fire from fort Moultrie, then com- 
manded by Colonel Pinckney, and anchored under James's Island, 
just out of gun-shot of the American batteries. 

Being now in complete possession of the harbor, the British 
General and Admiral sent a joint summons to General Lincoln, 
demanding a surrender; to which he returned this firm and modest 
answer : " Sixty days have elapsed since it has been known that 
your intentions against this town were hostile, in which time has 
been aflforded to abandon it ; but duty and inclination point to the 
propriety of defending it to the last extremity." 

What is to be said respecting- the propriety of standing a siege in Charles- 
ton ? Mention the first operations of the British against the city, and state 
the reply of General Lincoln wlien summoned to surrender. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 163 

On receiving this answer, the besiegers opened their batteries ; 
but seemed to rely principally on proceeding by sap quite into the 
American lines. 

The communication with the country north-east of Cooper river 
had hitherto remained open, and was protected by the cavalry 
commanded by General Huger, stationed at Monk's Corner, and 
by some corps of militia posted at different places on the Cooper 
and Santee. After Woodford had entered Charleston, Lincoln, 
as an additional security, detached a body of regulars to throw 
up some works about nine miles above the town, on Wando, the 
eastern branch of Cooper, and on Lamprere's Point. The hope 
was entertained that the militia might be drawn to these posts. 

After the completion of his first parallel, Sir Henry . /] 1 4. 
Clinton turned his attention to the country on the east " 
of Cooper, to acquire the possession of which it was necessary to 
disable the American cavalry. This service was committed to 
Lieutenant-Colonel Webster, who detached Tarlton with the horse 
and a corps of infantry to execute it. He succeeded completely. 
Conducted in the night through unfrequented paths to the Ameri- 
can videttes, he entered the camp with them, killed and took about 
one hundred men and dispersed the residue, who saved themselves 
on foot in a swamp. This decisive blow gave Lieutenant-Colonel 
Webster possession of the whole country between Cooper and 
Wando. 

The besiegers had now commenced their second parallel, and it 
was apparent that the town must ultimately yield to their regular 
approaches. An evacuation was proposed, and Lincoln is under- 
stood to have favored the measure, but the opposition of the civil 
government and of the inhabitants deterred him from pursuing the 
only course which afforded even a probability, by saving his army, 
of saving the southern states. 

Soon after the affair at Monk's Corner, Sir Henry Clinton re- 
ceived a reinforcement of three thousand men from New York. 
This addition enabled him to send large detachments to the east 
side of Cooper river, under the command of Lord Cornwallis. 

Lincoln, who appears to have been still inclined to an evacua- 
tion of the town, called another council of war. A number of 
fortunate circumstances must have concurred to render a retreat 
possible ; and the attempt was prevented by the opposition of the 
civil government. The opinion seems to have prevailed that the 
escape of the garrison would have been followed by the destruc- 
tion of the town, and the ruin of the inhabitants. Terms of ca- 

Narrate the progress of the siege, and mention the manner in which the 
American cavalry was routed at Monk's Corner. What reinforcement now 
increased the strength of the besiegers ? Mention the chief reason that pre 
vented General Lincohi from evacuating Charleston. 



164 MARSHALL'S 

pitulation were proposed which were rejected by the besiegers, and 
hostiUties recommenced. 

The besiegers had* begun their third parallel, when Colonel Hen- 
derson made a vigorous sally on their right, which was attended 
with some success. 

In this state of things. General Du Portail, chief of the engi- 
neers, was conducted through secret ways into the town. Confi- 
dent that the place could not be defended, he repeated the propo- 
sition for attempting a retreat, which was again rejected. Every 
day added to the difficulties of the besieged. The Admiral took 
possession of Mount Pleasant, which induced the evacuation of 
Lamprere's Point ; soon after which, the cavalry who had escaped 
the disaster at Monk's Corner, and had been reassembled under 
Colonel White of New Jersey, was again surprised and defeated 
by Lieutenant Tarlton at Lanneau's ferry. 

The investment of the town was now complete, and its condi- 
tion desperate. The garrison was summoned a second time to 
surrender, but the terms proposed by Lincoln were refused, and 
hostilities recommenced. 

The besiegers now advanced their works in front of their third 
parallel, crossed the canal, pushed a double sap to the inside of the 
abatis, and approached within twenty yards of the American 
works. Preparations were making for an assault by sea and land. 
The inhabitants prepared a petition to General Lincoln, entreating 
him to surrender the town on the terms which had been offered by 
the beseigers. 

Convinced that successful resistance was impossible, he made 
the proposition, and it was, accepted. The capitulation was signed 
on the 12th of May. 

The town and all public stores were surrendered. The garri- 
son, including the citizens who had borne arms, were to be pris- 
oners of war. The militia were to retire to their homes on parole, 
and their persons and property, as well as the persons and pro- 
perty of the inhabitants of the town, to be secure while they 
adhered to their parole. 

The defence of Charleston, though obstinate, was not bloody. 
The loss of the British was seventy-six killed, and one hundred 
and eighty-nine wounded. That of the Americans was ninety- 
two killed, and one hundred and forty-two wounded. 

From the official returns made to Sir Henry Clinton, the num- 
ber of prisoners, exclusive of sailors, amounted to five thousand 
six hundred and eighteen men. This report, however, presents 
a veiy incorrect view of the real strength of the garrison. It 

Was it at length thought advisable to surrender the city ? Mention the 
terms of capitulation. What was the loss of the Americans ? State also 
that of the besiegers. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 165 

includes every male adult inhabitant of the town. The precise 
number of privates in the continental regiments, according to the 
report made to Congress by General Lincoln, was one thousand 
nine hundred and seventy-seven ; of whom five hundred were in 
the hospital. 

Aware of the impression his conquest had made, and of the 
value of the first moments succeeding it. Sir Henry CHnton made 
three large detachments from his army ; — the first, towards the 
frontiers of North Carolina ; the second to Ninety-Six- ; and the 
third up the Savannah. 

Lord Cornwallis, who commanded the northern detachment, 
received intelligence that Colonel Buford, with about four hundred 
men, .was retreating in perfect security towards North Carolina. 
He directed Lieutenant-Colonel Tarlton with his legion, the infantry 
being mounted, to pursue this party. That officer, by movino- near 
one hundred miles in two days, overtook Buford, in a line of 
march, at the Waxhaws, and demanded a surrender. This was 
refused. While the flags were passing, Tarlton continued to make 
his dispositions for the assault ; and the instant the truce termi- 
nated, his cavalry made a furious charge on the Americans, who, 
having received no orders, seem to have been uncertain whether 
to defend themselves or not. Some fired on the assailants, while 
others threw down their arms and begged for quarters. None was 
given. Colonel Buford escaped with a few cavalry ; and about 
one hundred infantry who were in advance saved themselves by 
flight ; but the regiment was almost demolished. The loss of the 
British was five killed and fourteen wounded. 

Tarlton gives a different account of the circumstances which 
preceded this massacre. He says that the demand for a surrender 
was made long before Buford was overtaken ; that it was answered 
by a defiance ; and that both parties prepared for action. 

Scarcely the semblance of opposition remained in South Caro- 
lina and Georgia. The spirit of resistance seemed entirely broken ; 
and a general disposition to submit was manifested. The two 
other detachments, seeing no appearance of an enemy, received 
the submission of the inhabitants, who either became neutral by 
giving their paroles not to bear arms against his Britannic Majesty, 
or took the oaths of allegiance. 

To give stability to the conquest which had been made, small 
garrisons w^e posted at different stations, and a series of mea- 
sures adopted for the purpose of settling the civil afl?airs of the 
province. 

So entirely was Sir Henry Clinton convinced of the favorable 

After General Clinton occupied Charleston, whither did he send three de- 
tachments ? Mention the particulars of the action wherein Colonel Buford 
was defeated. Were Georgia and South Carolina entirely subdued ? 



166 MARSHALL'S 

disposition of the inhabitants, that he ventured to issue a proclama 
tion on the third of June, in which he discharged the miUtia from 
their paroles, with the exception of those taken in Charleston and 
fort Moultrie, and restored them to all the rights and duties of 
British subjects ; declaring, at the same time, that those who should 
neglect to return to their allegiance should be considered and 
treated as rebels. 

This proclamation disclosed to the inhabitants their real situa 
tion ,* that a state of neutrality was not within their reach ; an 
that the only alternative presented to them was, to drive the enemy 
out of their country, or to take up arms against their countrymen. 

With sanguine hopes that the southern states would be reunited 
to the British empire, Sir Henry Clinton embarked for New. York 
on the 5th of June, leaving four thousand British troops in South 
Carolina, under the command of Lord Cornwallis. 

The intense heat, and the impossibility of supporting an army 
in North Carolina before harvest, induced his lordship to suspend 
an expedition which he meditated against that state. In the mean- 
time he despatched emissaries to his friends, requesting them to re- 
main quiet until late in August or early in September, when the 
King's troops would be ready to enter the province. 

The impatience of the royalists could not be restrained by this 
salutary counsel. Anticipating the immediate superiority of their 
party, they could not brook the necessary severities of the govern- 
ment, and broke out into ill-concerted insurrections, which were 
vigorously encountered, and generally suppressed. One body of 
them, however, amounting to near eight hundred men, led by 
Colonel Bryan, marched down the east side of the Yadkin, to a 
British post at the Cheraws, whence they proceeded to Camden. 

Lord Cornwallis, impatient to derive active aids from the con- 
quest of the state, pursued the system adopted by Sir Henry 
Clinton, admitting of no neutrality. For some time his measures 
seemed to succeed, and professions of loyalty were made in every 
quarter. But under this imposing exterior lurked a mass of con- 
cealed discontent to which every day furnished new aliment, and 
which waited only for a proper occasion to show itself 

Late in March, General Washington had obtained the permission 
of Congress to reinforce the Southern army with the troops of 
Maryland and Delaware, and with the first regiment of artillery. 
This detachment was commanded by the Baron de J^alb. Such 
was the deranged state of American finances, that some time 
elapsed before it could move, and its progress was afterwards de- 
layed by the difficulty of obtaining subsistence. The troops were 

What proclamation was issued by Sir Henry Clinton ? Why did the Brit- 
ish defer operations in North Carolina? What force was ordered by Wash- 
ington to proceed southward ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 167 

under the necessity, while passing through the upper parts of 
North Carohna, of spreading themselves over the country to col- 
lect corn for their daily food. In this manner they reached Deep 
river, and encamped near Buffalo ford in July. 

The Baron halted at this place, and was meditating on leaving 
the direct road, which led through a country exhausted by a body 
of militia under General Caswell, when the approach of Major 
General Gates was announced. 

Alarmed at the danger which threatened the Southern states, 
Congress sought for a general in whom military talents should be 
combined with that weight of character which would enable him 
to draw out the resources of the country. They turned their eye 
on Gates ; and, on the 1 3th of June, he was called to the com- 
mand in the Southern department. He entered with alacrity on 
its duties ; and, on the 25th of July, reached the American camp. 

The approach of this army revived the hopes of South Carolina. 
As the prospect of being supported by regular troops brightened, 
a small body of exiles, amounting to less than two hundred, who 
had sought an asylum in North Carolina and Virginia, assembled 
together, and choosing Colonel Sumpter, a continental officer, for 
their chief, entered South Carolina. They skirmished with the 
royal militia, and with small corps of regulars on the frontiers, 
and were soon augmented to six hundred men. Such a disposi- 
tion to resume their arms showed itself in various parts of the 
state, that the British General deemed it prudent to draw in his 
outposts, and to collect his troops in larger bodies. 

On the 27th of July the American army moved from its ground, 
and took the nearest route to the advanced post of the enemy on 
'Lynch's creek, a few miles from Camden. The assurances Gates 
had received that supplies would overtake him, and would be pre- 
pared for him on the road, were not fulfilled ; and his distress was 
extreme. The soldiers subsisted on a few lean cattle found in the 
woods, and a very scanty supply of green corn and peaches. On 
the 13th of August, after being joined by General Caswell and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Porterfield, Gates reached Clermont, some- 
times called Rugely's mills. Lord Rawdon had drawn in his out- 
posts, and assembled his forces at Camden. 

The American army was reinforced the day after its arrival at 
Clermont, by seven hundred militia from Virginia, commanded by 
Brigadier- General Stevens, an officer of experience and merit. On 
the same day, an express from Colonel Sumpter brought the in- 
formation that an escort of military stores for the garrison of 
Camden was on its way from Ninety-Six, and must pass the 

What officer of reputation was appointed by Congress to command the 
southern army ? Mention the various movements by which the American 
force approached the British in South Carolina. 



168 MARSHALL'S 

Wateree at a ferry which was covered by a small redoubt on the 
opposite side of the river. One hundred regular infantry, with 
two brass field-pieces, were immediately detached to join Sumpter, 
who was ordered to reduce the redoubt, and intercept the convoy. 
To co-operate with Sumpter, it was determined, in a council of 
general officers, to put the army in motion that evening, and to 
take post about seven miles from Camden, with a deep creek in 
front. 

About ten at night the line of march was taken up, and the 
army had advanced about half-way to Camden, when a firing 
commenced in front. 

On receiving intelligence of the approach of the Americans, and 
of the defection of the country between Pedee and the Black river, 
Lord Cornwallis had determined to hasten to Camden; which 
place he reached the day Gates arrived at Clermont. 

The British army did not much exceed two thousand men, of 
whom about nineteen hundred were regulars ; but, as the whole 
country was rising, his Lordship apprehended that every day 
would strengthen his adversary; and, therefore, determined to 
attack him in his camp. By one of those caprices of fortune on 
which great events often depend, he marched from Camden to 
attack Gates in Clermont, at the very hour that Gates moved from 
that place towards Camden. 
. ^ ^ At about half-past two in the morning, the advanced 

"^* * parties of the hostile armies, to their mutual surprise, 
met in the woods, and began to skirmish with each other. Some 
of Armand's cavalry being wounded at the first fire, threw the 
others into disorder, and the whole recoiled so suddenly, that the 
front of the column was broken, and the whole line thrown into 
consternation. From this first impression the raw troops never 
recovered. The light infantry, however, particularly Porterfield's 
corps, behaved so well as to check the advance of the British. 
Unfortunately, their gallant commander received a mortal wound, 
and could no longer lead his troops. 

As soon as order could be restored, the line of battle was form- 
ed. The Maryland division, including the troops of Delaware, 
were on the right ; the North Carolina militia in the centre, and 
the Virginia militia on the left. 

The ground on which the army was drawn up was so narrowed 
6y a marsh on each flank, as to admit of removing one of the 
Maryland brigades so as to form a second line about two hundred 
yards in rear of the first. The artillery was placed in the centre 
of the first line, and Armstrong's Ught infantry covered the flank 
of the left wing. 

By what coincidence of movement did the armies of Gates and Cornwallki 
come in contact ? State the order of battle. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 169 

At dawn of day the British appeared, advancing in column. 
Captain Singleton opened some field-pieces on its front, at the dis- 
tance of about two hundred yards, and the American left was 
ordered to commence the action. As Stevens led on his brigade, 
Colonel Williams advanced in front with a few volunteers, hoping 
by a partial fire to extort that of the enemy at some distance, and 
to diminish its effect on the miHtia. The experiment did not suc- 
ceed. The British rushed forward with great impetuosity, and the 
terrified militia, disregarding the exertions of their General, threw 
down their loaded muskets, fled from the field, and were followed 
by the light infantry of Armstrong. The whole North Carolina 
division, except one regiment, commanded by Colonel Dixon, fol- 
lowed the shameful example. Their General, while endeavoring 
to rally them, was dangerously wounded. 

Tarlton's legion charged them as they broke, and pursued them 
in their flight. Gates, assisted by their generals, made several 
efforts to rally them ; but the alarm in their rear continuing, they 
poured on in a torrent, and bore him with them. 

After a vain endeavor to stop a sufficient number at Clermont 
to cover the retreat of the continental troops, he gave up all as 
lost, and retreated with a few friends to Charlotte, about eighty 
miles from the field of battle, where he left General Caswell to 
assemble the neighbouring militia, and proceeded himself to Hills- 
borough, in order to concert some plan of future defence with the 
government. 

Deserted by the centre and left wing, the continental troops, 
with the Baron de Kalb at their head, were left without orders, 
under circumstances which might have justified a retreat. But, 
taking counsel from their courage, and seeing only their duty, 
they preferred the honorable and dangerous part of maintaining 
their position. They were charged about the time the left was 
broken, but the charge was received with firmness. The bayonet 
was occasionally resorted to by both parties ; and the conflict was 
maintained for near three quarters of an hour with equal obsti- 
nacy. 

The reserve was flanked by the British right wing, which 
wheeled on that brigade, and, attacking it in front and round the 
left flank, threw it into some disorder. The soldiers were, how- 
ever, quickly rallied, and renewed the action with unimpaired 
spirit. 

The fire of the whole British army was now directed against 
these two devoted brigades. They had not lost an inch of ground, 
when Lord Cornwallis, perceiving that they were without cavalry. 

Narrate the details of the battle of Camden. What part of the American 
army first gave way ? What portion maintained the fight with devoted gal- 
lantry ? Who were the victors ? 
15 



170 MARSHALL'S 

pushed his dragoons upon .them, and at the same instant charged 
them with the bayonet. These gallant troops were broken ; and, 
as they did not give way until intermingled with the enemy, were 
totally dispersed. Before they were reduced to this last extremity 
the Baron de Kalb, who fought on foot with the Maryland brigade, 
in the front line, fell under eleven wounds. His aid-de-camp, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Dubuysson, received him in his arms, an- 
nounced his rank and nation, and begged that his life might be 
spared. He received several wounds, and v.as taken prisoner with 
his General. 

Never w^as victory more complete. Every corps was broken 
and dispersed. The general officers were divided from their men, 
and reached Charlotte at different times. The loss of men could 
never be accurately ascertained. Between three and four hundred 
of the North Carolina division were made prisoners, and between 
sixty and one hundred were wounded. Three of the Virginia 
militia were wounded on the field. Not many w^ere taken. 

The loss sustained by the regulars was considerable for the 
numbers engaged. It amounted to between three and four hun- 
dred men, of whom a large portion were officers. The British 
accounts state their own loss at three hundred and twenty-five, of 
whom two hundred and forty-five were wounded. 

On his retreat. General Gates received information of the suc- 
cess of Sumpter. That officer had reduced the redoubt on the 
Wateree, captured the guard, and intercepted the escort with the 
stores. This gleam of light cheered the dark gloom which en 
veloped his affairs but for a moment. He was soon informed that 
this corps also was defeated and totally dispersed. 

On hearing the disaster which had befallen Gates, Sumpter re- 
treated up the south side of the Wateree. While giving his troops 
some refreshments, he was overtaken near the Catawba ford by 
Tarlton, who entered the camp so suddenly as in a great mea- 
sure to cut off the men from their arms. Some slight resistance 
made from behind the wagons, was soon overcome, and the Ame- 
ricans fled precipitately to the river and woods. Between three 
and four hundred of them were killed and wounded ; and the pris- 
oners and stores they had taken were recovered. 

Intelligence of the defeat of the American army reached Char- 
lotte the next day. Generals Smallwood and Gist were then ar- 
rived at that place ; and about one hundred and fifty stragglers, 
half-famished officers, and soldiers, had also dropped in. It was 
thought advisable to retreat immediately to Salisbury. From that 
place General Gates directed the remnant of the troops to march 

What was the respective loss in the battle of Camden ? Mention the mo- 
mentary success of Sumpter, and the disastrous action which destroyed his 
corps. To what place did the discomfited Americans retreat ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 171 

to Hillsborough, where he was endeavoring to assemble another 
army, which might enable him to continue the contest for the 
southern states. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Distress in camp. — R<^quisitions on the Stat^js.— New scheme of finance. — Resolution 
to make up depreciation of pay. — Mutiny in the line of Connecticut. — General Knyp- 
hausen enters Jersey.— Sir Henry Clinton returns to New York. — Skirmish at Spring- 
field.— Bank established at Philadelphia.— Contributions of the ladies.- Arrival of a 
French armament in Rhode Island.— Changes in the duarter-Master's department.— 
Naval superiority of the British. 

While disasters thus crowded on each other in the -.Kj-p/^ 
South, the commander-in-chief was surrounded with diffi- 
culties which threatened calamities equally distressing. His 
earnest requisitions for men to supply the pkices of those whose 
terms of service had expired, were not complied with ; and the 
soldiers who remained could scarcely be preserved from perishing 
with cold and hunger, or dispersing and living on plunder. 

General Greene and Colonel Wads worth, who had been placed 
at the head of the Quarter-Master and Commissary department, 
possessed distinguished merit. Yet, during the campaign, the ra- 
tions were frequently reduced ; and, on coming into winter quar- 
ters, the exhausted magazines furnished neither meat nor flour. 

The rapid depreciation of the currency, ascribed truly to the 
quantity in circulation, induced Congress, among other expedients, 
to withhold from the public agents the money necessary for public 
purposes, and thus oblige them to purchase on credit. The differ- 
ence between the value of money at the time of contract and of 
payment, being soon perceived, had its influence on contracts ; 
and the failure of the government to provide funds to meet the 
demands, destroyed the credit of public agents. Towards the 
close of the year 1779, they found it impracticable to obtain sup- 
plies for the subsistence of the army. Early in January, notice was 
given by the Commissary that it was absolutely impossible longer 
to supply the army, as he was without money and had totally ex- 
hausted his credit. 

To relieve the immediate and pressing wants of his soldiers 
the commander-in-chief was under the necessity of requiring from 
each county in Jersey, a supply of provisions proportioned to its 
resources, to be forwarded to the camp in six days. Though the 
country had been much exhausted, the supplies required were in- 
stantly furnished. 

Mention the difficulty of subsisting- the army of Washington, and the 
measure which at length he was compelled to adopt. 



172 MARSHALL'S 

Congress had solemnly resolved to limit the emission of billd 
on credit of the continent, to two hundred millions of dollars. 
This emission was completed, and the money expended in Novem- 
ber 1779. 

The requisitions on the states for money not being fully complied 
with, it became necessary to devise other means for the prosecu- 
tion of the war. So early as December 1779, Congress had de- 
termined to change the mode of supplying the army from pur- 
chases to requisitions of specific articles on the several states. 
This subject was under deliberation till the 25th of February, 
when sundry resolutions were passed apportioning on the states 
their respective quotas. To induce a compliance with these re- 
quisitions, a resolution was also passed, declaring " that any state 
which shall have taken the necessary measures for furnishing its 
quota, and have given notice thereof to Congress, shall be au- 
thorized to prohibit any continental Quarter-Master or Commissary 
from purchasing within its limits." 

These resolutions received the anxious attention of the com- 
mander-in-chief, who communicated to Congress, with sincere 
regret, the serious defects he perceived in their arrangements. 

In addition to the radical objection felt by all men of experience 
to the abandonment of the national and the adoption of the state 
system for the conduct of the war, and of that to the obvious 
inadequacy of all the estimates to the demand, the total omission 
to provide means for supplying occasional deficiencies from the 
resources of any particular state, and the principle which enabled 
any state complying with the requisition to prohibit continental 
agents from purchasing within its territory, appeared to him to 
present insurmountable obstacles to the new scheme, which must 
inevitably produce its failure. 

The legislature of New Jersey, in which the largest division of 
the army was stationed, adopted means for complying with the 
requisition, and not only passed an act prohibiting the purchase of 
provisions within its jurisdiction by the continental staff, but refused 
to authorize its own agents to provide for any emergency however 
pressing. 

These suggestions, however, with others less material, did not 
change the plan of Congress. A disposition in its members, 
growing inevitably out of the organization of the government, to 
yield implicitly to the supposed will of their respective states, had 
discovered itself at an early period, and had strengthened with time. 

Whatever might be the future operation of this system, it was 
unavoidably suspended. The legislatures of the respective states 

What was the limit of the issue of continental paper-money ? When 
this sum was exhausted, what expedients were resorted to by Congress for 
the support of the troops ? Mention the objections to these plans. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 173 

to whom it was to be submitted, were not, all of them, in session ; 

and were to meet at different times through the ensuing sprin-'. 

Meanwhile, bills to the amount of £200,000 sterling, payable six 

months after sight, were drawn on ministers, who were empowered 

to negotiate loans in Europe. 

Accompanying these requisitions was a new scheme of finance, 

which was a second essay to substitute credit for money. 

The several states were required to continue to bring into th 

continental treasury, monthly, from February to April inclusive 

their quotas of lifteen millions of dollars. The bills were to be 

destroyed, and others, not to exceed one dollar for every twenty 

paid into the treasury, were to be emitted. 

These bills were to be redeemable in six years, and were to bear 
an interest of five per centum per annuniy to be paid at the time 
of their redemption, in specie, or, at the election of the holder, 
annually, in bills of exchange drawn by the United States on their 
commissioner in Europe, at four shillings and six-pence sterling 
for each dollar. 

The operation of this scheme, too, depended on the sanction of 
the several states, and was necessarily suspended. 

The value of the proposed currency would depend, it was be- 
lieved, on arresting all future emissions of paper by the states, and 
on inducing them to call in that which was already in circulation. 
The exertions of Congress to produce these results did not suc- 
ceed. 

The distresses of the army for food soon returned. The sup- 
plies of forage, too, had failed, and a great proportion of the horses 
had perished. The Quartermaster-General, possessing neither 
funds nor credit to purchase others, was unable to transport pro- 
visions from the distant magazines into camp. The commander- 
in-chief was again reduced to the painful necessity of calling on 
the patriotism of private citizens, under the penalty of military 
impressment. 

To the want of food, other distressing privations were added, 
which increased the irksomeness of the service. From the depre- 
ciation of the money, the pay of an officer had become merely 
nominal, and would no longer supply the smallest of his wants. 

Under these complicated embarrassments, it required all that 
enthusiastic patriotism which originally brought them into the 
field, and all the influence of the commander-in-chief, whom they 
almost adored, to retain in the service men who felt themselves 
neglected, and who believed themselves to be objects of the jea- 
lousy of their country, rather than of its gratitude. 

Mention the several financial schemes by which Congress hoped to re- 
plenish the treasury, and particularize the inconvenience and suffering which 
were consequent upon its exhausted condition. 
15* 



174 MARSHALL'S 

Among the privates, causes of disgust grew out of the very com- 
position of the army, which increased the dissatisfaction produced 
by their multiphed wants. 

The first efforts made to enlist troops for the war had, in some 
degree, succeeded. While these were obliged to continue in ser- 
vice without compensation, the vacant ranks were filled by men 
who were to serve for a few months, and who received for that 
short time bounties which appeared to soldiers not well acquainted 
with the real state of depreciation to be immense. They could no 
fail to repine at engagements which deprived them of advantages 
they saw in possession of others. Many were induced to contest 
those engagements, many to desert, and all felt with the more 
poignant indignation, those distressing failures in the commissary 
department which so frequently recurred. 

To relieve this gloomy state of things by infusing into it a ray 
of hope for the future, a resolution was passed declaring that Con- 
gress would make good the deficiency of their original pay, which 
had been occasioned by depreciation; and that the money, or 
other articles heretofore received, should be considered as ad- 
vanced on account. 

This resolution was published in general orders, and had con- 
siderable influence, but not sufficient to remove the various causes 
of dissatisfaction which were continually multiplying. 

This long course of suffering had unavoidably produced some 
relaxation of discipline, and bad gradually soured the minds of 
the soldiers to such a degree that their discontents broke out into 
mutiny. 

On the 25th of May, two regiments belonging to Conjiecticut, 
paraded under arms, with a declared resolution to return home, or 
to obtain subsistence at the point of the bayonet. By great exer^ 
tions on the part of the officers, aided by the appearance of a 
neighboring brigade of Pennsylvania, the leaders were secured, 
and the mutineers brought back to their duty. 

The discontents of the army, and the complaints excited in the 
country by frequent requisitions on the people, had induced an 
opinion in New York that the American soldiers were ready to 
desert their standards, and the people of New Jersey to change 
their government. To countenance these dispositions, General 
Knyphausen landed in the night of the 6th of June at Elizabeth- 
town Point, at the head of five thousand men, and marched to- 
wards Springfield. The militia assembled with alacrity, and aid- 
ed the small patrolling parties of continental troops in harassing 
him on his march to the Connecticut Farms, a distance of five or 



Did Congress adopt a resolution with a view of reconciling' the soldiery 
to their present privations ? Mention the mutiny and discontents that oc- 
cwrred and the British movement into New Jersey. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 175 

six miles, where a halt was made. In a spirit of revenge, more 
in the character of Tryon who was with him, than of the general 
who commanded, this settlement was reduced to ashes. 

From the Farms, Knyphausen proceeded to Springfield. The 
Jersey brigade, and the militia of the adjacent country, showing a 
determination to defend that place, he halted in its neighborhood, 
and remained on his ground till night. 

General Washington put his army in motion early in the same 
morning that Knyphausen marched from Elizabethtown Point, 
and advanced to the Short Hills, in the rear of Springfield, as the 
British encamped near that place. Dispositions were made for an 
engagement next day ; but Knyphausen retired in the y 
night to the place of disembarkment. General Wash- " ^ * 
ington continued on the hills near Springfield, too weak to hazard 
an engagement but on ground chosen by himself His continental 
troops did not exceed three thousand men. 

While Knyphausen remained at Elizabethtown, Sir j 
Henry Clinton returned from the conquest of South 
Carolina ; and the design of acting offensively in the Jerseys was 
resumed. To divide the American force, demonstrations were 
made of an intention to seize West Point. Greene was lefl at 
Springfield, with two brigades, and the Jersey militia ; while Gen- 
eral Washington proceeded slowly towards Pompton, watching the 
movements of his enemy. He had not marched farther than Rock- 
away, eleven miles beyond Morristown, when the British army 
advanced towards Springfield in great force. He immediately de- 
tached a brigade to hang on their right flank, and returned with 
the residue of his army five or six miles, in order to be in a situa- 
tion to support Greene. 

Early in the morning of the 23d, the British army moved rap- 
idly in two columns towards Springfield. Every possible exertion 
to check their march was made by Major Lee and Colonel Day- 
ton, who severally commanded a party detached on each road for 
the purpose, while General Greene concentrated his little army at 
Springfield. Scarcely had he made his dispositions when the 
British front appeared, and a cannonade commenced between their 
van and the American artillery, which defended a bridge over 
Rahway, guarded by Colonel Angel with two hundred men. Major 
Lee, supported by Colonel Ogden, was directed to defend a bridge 
on the Vauxhall road, along which the right column of the enerny 
advanced. The residue of the American troops were drawn up 
on high ground in the rear of the town. 

Both bridges were attacked nearly at the same time, and de- 
Describe the movements of the two armies consequent upon the advance 
of the British into New Jersey, and relate the details of a partial engage- 
ment near Springfield. 



176 MARSHALL'S 

fended with persevering gallantry for about half an hour. When 
overpowered by numbers, these advanced parties retired in good 
order, and brought off their wounded. The English then took 
possession of the town and reduced it to ashes. 

The obstinate resistance which had been encountered, the 
strength of Greene's position, and the firm countenance maintain- 
ed by his troops, all contributed to deter Sir Henry Clinton from 
a farther prosecution of his original plan. He retired that after- 
noon to Elizabethtown ; and in the following night passed over to 
Staten Island. It is probable that the caution manifested during 
this expedition is to be ascribed, too, in some degree, to the intel- 
ligence that a French fleet and army were daily expected on the 
coast. 

The Marquis de Lafayette had been well received at the court 
of Versailles, and had employed all his influence in impressing on 
the cabinet, the importance and policy of granting succours to the 
United States. Having succeeded in this favorite object, and find- 
ing no probability of active employment in Europe, he obtained 
permission to return to America, and arrived late in April at Bos- 
ton, whence he proceeded to head quarters, and thence to the seat 
of government, with the information that his Most Christian Ma- 
jesty had consented to employ a considerable land and naval 
armament in the United States for the ensuing campaign. On re- 
ceiving this intelligence. Congress required the states, from New 
Hampshire to Virginia inclusive, to pay into the continental trea- 
sury within thirty days, ten millions of dollars, part of their 
quotas which became due on the first of March ; and drew specie 
bills on Messrs. Franklin and Jay to the amount of fifly thousand 
^ dollars. 

The defects which had been suggested in the requisition system 
were corrected, and the several state legislatures, from New 
Hampshire to Virginia inclusive, were requested to invest the exe- 
cutives with powers sufficiently ample to comply with such appli- 
cations as might be made to them by the committee in camp. 
Letters equally stimulating were written by that committee, and 
by the commander-in-chief 

The state legislatures, generally, passed the laws which were 
required, but the energy displayed in their*passage was not main- 
tained in their execution. The Assemblies, followins: the example 
of Congress, apportioned on the several counties oi-^ towns within 
the state, the quota to be furnished by each, and these were again 
subdivided into classes, each of which was to furnish a man by 
contributions or taxes imposed on itself. 

Why were the British disinclined to force an engagement ? What mea- 
sures were adopted by Congress, with a view to efficient co-operation with 
the armament expected from France ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 177 

These operations were slow and unproductive. 

The merchants, and other citizens of Philadelphia, with a zeal 
guided by that sound discretion which turns expenditure to the best 
account, established a bank with a capital of £315,000 in specie, 
the principal of which was to supply the army with provisions 
and rum. The members of this bank were to receive no emolu- 
ment. They required only that Congress should pledge the faith 
of the Union to reimburse the costs and charges of the transac- 
tion, and should aid its execution so far as might be in their power. 

The ladies of Philadelphia, too, gave a splendid instance of 
patriotism by large donations for the immediate relief of the suf- 
fering army, and this example was extensively followed. But it 
is not by the contributions of the generous that a war can or 
ought to be maintained. The purse of the nation alone can supply 
the expenditures of a nation. The sufferings of the army con- 
tinued to be extreme, and attest its patriotism. One heroic effort, 
however it may dazzle the mind, is an exertion most men are ca- 
pable of making ; but continued patient suffering, and unremitting- 
perseverance in a service promising no personal emolument, and 
exposing the officer unceasingly, not only to wants of every kind, 
but to those circumstances of humiliation which seem to degrade 
him in the eyes of others, demonstrate a fortitude of mind, a 
strength of virtue, and a firnmess of principle, which ought never 
to be forgotten. 

As the several legislative acts for bringing the army into the 
field, did not pass till June and July, General Washington re- 
mained uninformed of the force on which he might rely, and was 
consequently unable to prepare any certain plan of operations. 

This suspense was the more embarrassing, as, in the event of an 
attempt on New York, it was of the utmost importance that the 
French fleet should, on its arrival, take possession of the harbor, 
which was then weakly defended. But this measure, if followed 
by a failure to furnish the requisite support, would not only be in- 
effectual, but might sacrifice the fleet itself. 

Should the attempt on New York be unadvisable, other objects 
presented themselves against which the allied arms might be directe'd 
with advantage. To avoid the disgrace and danger of attempting 
what could not be effected, and the reproach as well as injury of neg- 
lecting any attainable object, equally required a correct knowledge 
of the measures which would be taken by the states. The com- 
mander-in-chief stated his embarrassments on this interesting sub- 
ject with great strength to Congress. 

The tardy proceedings of the states were not less perplexing to 

Did the merchants of Philadelphia devise means of relief to the sufFeringr 
army ? How did the ladies of the same city testify their patriotic sympa- 
thy ? What uncertainty embarrassed Washington ? 



178 MARSHALL'S 

that body than to their General. They had assured the minister 
of his Most Christian Majesty, in the preceding January, that the 
United States could rely confidently on bringing into the field for 
the next campaign, an army of twenty-five thousand men, with 
such aids of militia as would render it competent to any enterprise 
against the posts occupied by the British in the United States ; and 
that ample supplies of provisions for the combined armies should 
be laid up in magazines. 

The French Minister addressed Congress on this subject, and 
Congress renewed their urgent requisitions on the states. 

On the 13th of July, while the result of the measures adopted 
by the several states remained uncertain, the French fleet entered 
the harbor of Newport, soon after which letters were received 
ii'om the Count de Rochambeau, and the Chevalier de Ternay, the 
General and Admiral, transmitting to General Washington an 
account of their arrival, of their strength, their expectations, and 
their orders. 

The troops designed to serve in the United States had assembled 
at Brest ; but the transports of that place having been chiefly em- 
])loyed for an armament destined for the West Indies, and the ports 
from which it was intended to draw others beino; blockaded, only the 
first division consisting of five thousand men had sailed ; but let- 
ters from France contained assurances that the second might soon 
be expected. 

Late as was the arrival of the French troops, they found the 
Americans unprepared for active operations. Not even at that time 
were the numbers ascertained which would be furnished by the 
states. Yet it was necessary to communicate a plan of the cam- 
paign to the Count de Rochambeau. 

The season was already so far advanced that preparations for the 
operations contemplated eventually on the airival of the second divi- 
sion of the French fleet, must be immediately made, or there would 
not be time to execute the design against New York. Such a state of 
things so ill comported with the engagements of Congress and the 
interests of the nation, that, trusting to the measures already taken, 
General Washington determined to hazard much rather than forego 
the advantages to be derived from the aids afforded by France. 

A decisive naval superiority was, however, considered as the 
basis of any enterprise to be undertaken by the allied armies. 
This naval superiority being assumed, the outlines of the plan for 
an attempt on New York were drawn, and committed to the Mar- 
quis de Lafayette, who was authorized to explain the situation of 
the American army, and the views of the General, to the Count 

With what number of troops did Congress undertake to aid the French 
army, when it should reach the United States ? Mention the causes of dehv 
which occurred in assembling the promised force ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 179 

de Rochambeau. It was to be considered as an indispensable 
preliminary that the fleet and* army of France should continue 
their aid until the enterprise should succeed or be abandoned by 
mutual consent. 

The Chevalier de Ternay did not long maintain his superiority 
at sea. Three days after he reached Newport, Admiral Greaves 
arrived with six ships of the line, and transferred it to the British. 
The hostile fleet proceeded to Rhode Island and cruised off the 
harbor. 

As the commanders of the allied forces still cherished the hope 
of acquiring a superiority at sea, the design on New York was 
only suspended. In this crisis of affairs, a derangement took 
place in a most important department, which threatened to discon- 
cert the whole plan of operations, though every other circumstance 
should prove favorable. 

The reciprocal disgusts and complaints produced by the im- 
mense expenditures of the Quartermaster's Department, and the 
inadequacy of the funds with which it was supplied, had deter- 
mined Congress to make still another radical change in the 
system. This subject had been taken up early in the winter ; but 
the report of the committee was not made until March, nor finally 
decided on, until the middle of July. 

This interesting subject engaged the anxious attention of the 
commander-in-chief. While the army lay in winter quarters, the 
Quartermaster-General, at his request, repaired to Philadelphia, 
for the purpose of giving Congress all the information that he 
possessed. His proposition was, to withdraw the direct manage- 
ment of the department from the civil government, and to place 
it under the control of the person who should be at its head, sub- 
ject to the direction of the commander-in-chief. 

The views of Congress were entirely opposed to this proposi- 
tion. While the subject was suspended, it was taken up by the 
committee of co-operation, at head quarters, and a system digested 
by the combined talents and experience of Generals Washington, 
Schuyler, and Greene, which was recommended to the govern- 
ment. To give the more weight to his opinion. General Greene 
offered to discharge the duties assigned to him, without other extra 
emolument than his family expenses. This plan was unacceptable 
to Congress. A system was at length completed by that body, 
which General Greene believed to be incapable of execution ; and, 
therefore, determined to withdraw from a station in which he 
despaired of being useful. 

Apprehending the worst consequences from his resignation, at 

What arrival from England gave to the British the naval superiority near 
New York ? What matter now threatened serious consequences to the effi- 
ciency of the alliance ? 



180 MARSHALL'S 

so critical a moment, General Washington pressed him to sus- 
pend this decisive step, until the effect of an application from him- 
self and from the committee of co-operation should be known. 
Their representations were of no avail. The resolution to make 
this bold experiment was unalterable. General Greene's resigna- 
tion was received, and Colonel Pickering was appointed to suc- 
ceed him. A more judicious selection could not have been made 
but there was a defect of means, for which neither talents nor ex 
ertions could compensate. 

In the commissary department, the same distress was expe- 
rienced. General Washington was reduced to the necessity of 
emptying the magazines at West Point, and of foraging on a peo- 
ple, whose means of subsisting themselves were already nearly 
exhausted by the armies on both sides. So great were the em- 
barrassments produced by the difficulty of procuring subsistence, 
that although the second division of the French fleet was daily ex- 
pected, he found it necessary to countermand the orders under 
which the militia were marching to camp. 

Such was the state of preparation for the campaign, when in- 
telligence was brought, by the Alliance frigate, that the port of 
Brest was blockaded. In the hope, however, that the combined 
fleets of France and Spain would be able to raise the blockade, 
General Washington adhered to his purpose respecting New York. 
The details of a plan of co-operation continued to be the subject 
of a correspondence with the Count de Rochambeau and the 
Chevalier de Ternay ; and at length, a personal interview was 
agreed upon, to take place on the 21st of September, at Hartford, 
in Connecticut. 

Ln this interview, ulterior eventual measures, as well as a de- 
tailed arrangement for acting against New York, were the sub- 
jects of consideration. No one of the plans, however, then 
concocted, was carried into execution. They depended on a 
superiority at sea, which was rendered hopeless by the arrival of 
Admiral Rodney, at New York, with eleven ships of the line and 
four frigates. 

Who succeeded General Greene in the Quartermaster's Department ? To 
what straits was the American commander-in-chief reduced, in order to sub- 
sist his troops ? To what circumstance is to be attributed the non-arrival of 
the second division of the French fleet ? What was done in reference to a 
combined attack upon the British at New York ? What further reinforce- 
ments confirmed the naval preponderance of the enemy ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 181 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Treason and escape of Arnold.— Execution of Major Andre.— Proceedings of Congress 
respecting the army.— Major Talmadge destroys the British stores at Coram.— The 
army retires into winter quarters.— Irruption of Major Carlton into New York.— 
European transactions. 

While the pablic was anticipating great events from the com- 
bined arms of France and the United States, treason lay concealed 
in the American camp. 

The great military services of General Arnold had secured to 
him a high place in the opinion of the army, and of his country. 
Not having recovered from his wounds, and having large accounts 
to settle, which required leisure, he was, on the evacuation of 
Philadelphia, appointed to the command in that place. Unfortu- 
nately, he did not possess that strength of principle, and correct- 
ness of judgment, which would have enabled him to resist the 
seductions to which his rank and reputation exposed him, in the 
metropolis of the Union. His expenses having swelled his debts 
to an amount which it was impossible to discharge, he entered 
into speculations which were unfortunate, and took shares in pri- 
vateers which were unsuccessful. He relied on his claims against 
the United States, for the means of extricating himself from em- 
barrassments in which his indiscretion had involved him ; but they 
were greatly reduced by the commissioners, to whom they were 
referred ; and, on his appeal to Congress, a committee reported 
that the commissioners had allowed more than he was entitled to 
receive. 

He was charged with various acts of extortion on the citizens 
of Philadelphia, and with peculating on the funds of the conti- 
nent. Soured by these various causes of resentment, he indulged 
himself in angry reproaches against what he termed the ingrati- 
tude of his country ; which provoked those around him, and gave 
great offence to the government. The executive of Pennsylvania 
exhibited formal charges against him to Congress, who directed 
that he should be brought before a court-martial. 

In January, 1779, he was sentenced to be reprimanded by the 
commander-in-chief; which sentence, being approved by Con 
gress, was carried into execution. His proud, unprincipled spiri 
revolted from the cause of his country, and determined him t 
seek an occasion to make the objects of his hatred the victims of 
his vengeance. Turning his eyes to West Point, as an acquisi- 
tion which would give value to treason, he sought tlie command 
of that fortress, and addressed himself to the delegation of New 

To what must be attributed the disposition of Arnold to treason against 
his country ? With the purpose of betrayal, what important command did 
he seek ? 

16 



182 MARSHALL'S 

York. One of the members recommended him to General Wash- 
ington for that station ; and soon afterwards, General Schuyler 
mentioned a letter from Arnold, intimating his wish to rejoin the 
army, but stating his inability to perform the active duties of the 
field. General Washington said that if, with a knowledge that 
West Point would be garrisoned by invalids and a few miiitia, he 
still preferred that situation to a command in the field, his wishes 
should certainly be indulged. Arnold caught at the proposition ; 
and, in the beginning of August, repaired to camp, v/here he re- 
newed the solicitations which had before been made indirectly ; 
and was invested with the command he solicited. 

He had previously, in a letter to Colonel Robinson, signified 
his change of principles, and his wish to restore himself to the 
favor of his prince by some signal proof of his repentance. This 
letter opened the way to a correspondence with Sir Henry Clin- 
ton, the immediate object of which, after obtaining the command 
of West Point, was to concert the means of betraying that import- 
ant post to the British General. This business was entrusted to 
Major John Andre, an aid-de-camp of Sir Henry Clinton, and 
Adjutant- General of the British army. A correspondence was 
carried on between that officer and Arnold, under a mercantile 
disguise, in the feigned names of Gustavus and Anderson ; and 
at length, to facilitate their communications, the Vulture sloop 
of war moved up the North river, and took a station convenient 
for the purpose. 

The time when General Washington met the Count de Rocham- 
beau at Hartford, was selected for the final adjustment of the plan 
and Major Andre came up the river and went on board the Vul- 
ture. Both parties repaired in the night to a house, without the 
American lines, which had been selected for the interview — Andre 
being brought under a passport for John Anderson, in a boat des- 
patched from the shore. While the conference was yet unfinished, 
daylight appeared, and Arnold proposed that Andre should lemain 
concealed till the succeeding night. When, in the following night 
his return to the Vulture was proposed, the boatmen refused to carry 
him, because she had shifted her station in consequence of a gun 
which had been moved to the shore without the knowledge of Ar- 
nold, and brought to bear upon her. Being thus reduced to the 
necessity of endeavoring to reach New York by land, he put on a 
I)lain suit of clothes, and received a pass from General Arnold, 
authorizing him, under the name of John Anderson, to pro- 
ceed on the public service to the White Plains, or lower if he 
thought proper. 

What arrangements were made by the enemy for tlie convenience of plot- 
ting with Arnold, and who was the British officer sent to confer with him ? 
What inciflent interfered with Andre's return ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 183 

With this permit he had passed all the guards and posts on tlie 
road, and was proceeding to New York, when one of their militia 
men employed between the lines of the two armies, springing from 
his covert, seized the reins of his bridle and stopped his iiorse. 
Andre, instead of producing his pass, asked the man where he 
belonged ? He replied, " to below ;" a term implying that he was 
from New York. " And so," said Andre, " am I." lie then 
declared himself to be a British officer, on urgent business, and 
begged that he might not be detained. The appearance of the 
other militia men disclosed his mistake too late to correct it. He 
offered a purse of gold and a valuable watch, Avith promises of 
ample reward from his government if they would permit his 
escape ; but his offers were rejected, and his captors proceeded to 
search him. Papers in Arnold's hand-writing, containing valuable 
information concerning West Point, were found concealed in his 
boots. To Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson, who commanded the 
scouting parties on the lines, he still maintained his assumed cha- 
racter ,• and requested Jameson to inform his commanding officer 
that Anderson was taken. On receiving the express conveying 
this communication, Arnold took refuge on board the Vulture. 
When sufficient time far his escape was supposed to have elapsed, 
Andre acknowledged himself to be the Adjutant-General of the 
British army. Jameson, seeking to correct the mischief of his 
indiscreet communication to Arnold, immediately despatched a 
packet to the commander-in-chief, containing the papers which had 
been discovered, with a letter from Andre. 

Every precaution was immediately taken for the security of 
West Point ; after which a board of general officers was called 
to report a state of Andre's case, and to determine on his character 
and punishment. The board reported the essential facts which 
had appeared, with their opinion, that he was a spy, and ought to 
suffer death. The execution of this sentence was ordered to take 
place on the succeeding day. Andre wished to die like a soldier, 
not as a criminal, and requested this mitigation of his sentence, 
in a letter replete with the feelings of a man of sentiment and 
honor ; but the occasion required that the example should make 
its full impression, and this request could not be granted. He 
met his fate with composure and dignity. 

Great exertions were made by Sir Henry Clinton to have Andre 
considered, first as protected by a flag of truce, and aflerwards as 
a prisoner of ^var. Even Arnold had the hardihood to interpose. 
He stated, among other arguments, that many of the most dis- 
tinguished citizens of South Carolina who had forfeited their lives, 

Mention the manner of Andre's capture. How did Arnold make his 
escape ? What was determined as to the fate of Andr6 ? Mention the un- 
availing interposition to save his life. 



184 MARSHALL'S 

and had hitherto been spared, could no longer be the subjects of 
clemency, should Andre suffer. 

It may well be supposed that the interposition of Arnold could 
have no influence on Washington. He conveyed Mrs. Arnold to her 
husband in New York, and transmitted his clothes and baggage for 
which he had written.' In no other respect were his letters noticed. 

From motives of policy or of respect for his engagements, Sir 
Henry Clinton conferred on Arnold the commission of a brigadier- 
general, which he preserved throughout the war.* 

When the probable consequences of this plot, had it been suc- 
cessful, were considered ; and the combination of apparent acci- 
dents by which it was defeated, was recollected, all were filled 
with awfijl astonishment ; and the devout perceived in the transac- 
tion, the hand of Providence guiding America to independence. 

The thanks of Congress were voted to John Paulding, David 
Williams, and John Vanwert, the three militia men who had ren- 
dered this invaluable service; and a silver medal, with an inscrip- 
tion expressive of their fidelity and patriotism, was presented to each 
of them. As a farther evidence of national gratitude, a resolution 
was passed granting to each two hundred dollars per annum during 
life, to be paid in specie, or an equivalent in current money. 

The efforts of General Washington to obtain a permanent mili- 
tary force, or its best substitute,- a regular system for filling the 
vacant ranks with drafts who should join the army on the first day 
of January in each year, were still continued. Great as were the 
embarrassments with which the governments of the states as well 
as that of the Union were surrounded, it is not easy to find adequate 
reasons for the neglect of representations so vitally interesting. 

Private letters disclose the fact, that two parties still agitated 
Congress. One entered fully into the views of the commander- 
in-chief. The other, jealous of the army, and apprehensive of its 
hostility to liberty, were unwilling to give stability to its constitu- 
tion. They seemed to dread the danger from the enemy to which 
its fluctuations must expose them, less than that which might be 
apprehended from its permanent character. They caught 'with 
avidity at every intelligence which encouraged the hope of a speedy 
peace, but entered reluctantly into measures founded on the sup- 
position that the war might be of long duration. Perfectly ac- 
quainted with the extent of the jealousies entertained on this subject, 
although, to use his own expressions, in a private letter, " Heaven 

♦General Washington used great exertions to cause Arnold to be seized in New 
York and conveyed to the American camp. John Champ, sergeant-major in Lee's 
legion, was employed in this important and critical service, and was near effecting it. 

How did Congress reward the captors of Andre ? Did Washington still 
persevere in his endeavors to put the army in a condition of greater effi.. 
ciency ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 185 

knows how unjustly," General Washington had forborne to press 
his opinions on it so constantly as his own judgment directed. But 
the uncertainty of collecting a force to co-operate with the auxilia- 
ries from France, was so peculiarly embarrassing that he at length 
resolved to conquer the delicacy by which he had been in some 
degree restrained, and to open himself fully on a subject which 
he deemed all-important to the success of the war. 

In August, while looking anxiously for a reinforcement to th 
Chevalier de Ternay, which would give him the command of the 
American seas, and apprehensive that a failure on the part of the 
United States might disappoint the hopes founded on that supe- 
riority, he transmitted a letter to Congress, freely and fully im- 
parting his sentiments on the state of things. 

This very interesting letter contains an exact statement of Ame- 
rican affairs, and a faithful picture of the consequences of the 
ruinous policy which had been pursued, drawn by the man best 
acquainted with them. 

Afler long delays, a committee, which had been appointed for 
the purpose, presented their report for the reorganization of the 
army. This report being approved, was transmitted to the com 
mander-in-chief for his consideration. His objections to it were 
stated at length and with great respect. Among them was its 
omission to make an adequate provision for the officers. " This," 
he said, " should be the basis of the plan. He was aware of the 
difficulty of making a present provision sufficiently ample to give 
satisfaction ; but this only proved the expediency of making one 
for the future, and brought him to that which he had so frequently 
recommended as the most economical, the most politic, and the 
most effectual that could be devised ; this was half-pay for life." 
He then enters into a full defence of this measure, and an ex- 
amination of the objections to it. 

This letter was taken into serious consideration ; and the mea- 
sures it recommended were pursued in almost every particular. 
Even the two great principles which were viewed with most 
jealousy — an army for the war, and half-pay for life — were 
adopted. It would hav.e greatly abridged the calamities of Ame- 
rica, could these resolutions have been carried into execution. 

To place the officers of the army in a situation which would 
hold out to them the prospect of a comfortable old age in a country 
saved by their blood, their sufferings, and the labors of their best 
years, was an object which had been always dear to the heart of 
General Washington, and he had seized every opportunity to press 
it on Congress. That body had approached it slowly, taking step 
after step with apparent reluctance. 

Upon what important subject did General Washington address a letter to 
Congress ? Mention the two chief features of his plan. 
16* 



186 MARSHALL'S 

The first resolution on the subject, passed in May, 1778, allow- 
ed to all military officers who should continue in service during 
the war, and not hold any office of profit under the United States, 
or any of them, half-pay for seven years, if they lived so long. 
At the same time, the sum of eighty dollars was granted to every 
non-commissioned officer and soldier who should serve to the end 
of the war. In 1779, this subject was resumed. Afler much de- 
bate, its farther consideration was postponed, and the officers and 
soldiers were recommended to the attention of their several states, 
with a declaration that their patriotism, valor, and perseverance, 
in defence of the rights and liberties of their country, had entitled 
them to the gratitude, as well as the approbation of their fellow- 
citizens. 

In 1780, a memorial from the general officers, depicting in 
strong terms the situation of the army, and requiring present sup- 
port, and future provision, was answered by a reference to what 
had been already done, and by a declaration " that patience, self- 
denial, fortitude, and perseverance, and the cheerful sacrifice of 
time and health, are necessary virtues, which both the citizen and 
soldier are called to exercise, while struggling for the liberties of 
their country ; and that moderation, frugality, and temperance, 
must be among the chief supports, as well as the brightest orna- 
ments of that kind of civil government which is wisely instituted 
by the several states in this Union." 

This unfeeling, cold, philosophic lecture on the virtues of tem- 
perance to men who were often without food, and always scantily 
supplied, was ill calculated to assuage irritations fomented by past 
neglect. In a few days afterwards a more conciliating temper was 
manifested. The odious restriction, limiting the half-pay for seven 
years to those who should hold no post of profit under the United 
States, or any of them, was removed ; and the bounty allowed the 
non-commissioned officers and privates was extended to the widows 
and orphans of those who had died, or should die in the service. 
At length the vote passed which has been stated, allowing half-pay 
for life to all officers who should serve in the armies of the United 
States to the end of the war. 

Resolutions were also passed recommending it to the several 
states to make up the depreciation on the pay that had been re- 
ceived by the army ; and declaring that their future services should 
be compensated in the money of the new emission, the value of 
which, it was supposed, might be kept up by taxes and by loans. 

While the government was employed in maturing measures for 
the preservation of its military establishment, the season for ac- 

Did tlicre appear a favorable disposition in Congress, to relieve the dis- 
tresses of the army ? What enactments by that body at length promised 
relief and permanence to the military force ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 187 

tion passed away. Towards the close of the campaign, a hand- 
some enterprise was executed by Major Talmadge, of Sheldon's 
reo-iment of light dragoons, who had been generally stationed on 
the east side of the North river. He obtained information that a 
large magazine of forage had been collected at Coram, on Long 
Island, which was protected by the militia of the country, a small 
garrison in its neighborhood, and the cruisers in the Soimd. 

At the head of a detachment of eighty dismounted and ten 
mounted dragoons, he passed the Sound, where it was twenty miles 
wide, marched across the island in the night, surprised the fort, 
and entered the works without resistance. The garrison took 
refuge in two houses, and commenced a fire from the doors and 
windows. These were instantly torced open, and the whole party, 
amounting to fifty-four, among whom were a lieutenant-colonel, 
captain, and a subaltern, were killed or taken. The fort was de- 
molished, and the magazines consumed by fire. The object of 
the expedition being accomplished. Major Talmadge returned with- 
out the loss of a man. On the recommendation of General Wash- 
ington, Congress passed a resolution expressing a high sense of 
the merits of those engaged in the enterprise. 

Nearly at the same time. Major Carlton, at the head of one 
thousand men, composed of Europeans, tories, and Indians, made 
a sudden irruption into the northern parts of New York, and took 
possession of forts Ann and George, with their garrisons. At the 
same time. Sir John Johnson, at the head of a corps composed of 
the same materials, appeared on the Mohawk. Several sharp skir- 
mishes were fought ; and General Clinton's brigade was ordered 
to that quarter, but before his arrival the invading armies had re- 
tired, after laying waste the country through which they passed. 

In December the troops were distributed in winter quarters, 
near Morristown, at Pompton, at West Point and its vicinity, and 
at Albany. 

While the disorder of the American finances, and the debility 
of the government, determined Great Britain to persevere in offen- 
sive war against the United States, Europe assumed an aspect not 
less formidable to the permanent grandeur of that nation than 
hostile to its present views. In the summer of 1780, Russia, 
Sweden, and Denmark, entered into the celebrated compact which 
has been generally denominated " the armed neutrality." 
Holland had also declared a determination to accede to the same 
confederacy ; and it is not improbable that this measure hastened 
the declaration of war which was made by Great Britain against 
that power towards the close of the present year. Had it been 

What gallant exploit on Long Island was performed by Major Talniadge ? 
What partial operations took place in northern New York? Mention the 
European powers that composed the Armed Neutrality. 



188 MARSHALL'S 

delayed till the actual accession of Holland to the league, Great 
Britain must have allowed her immense navigation to be employed 
in the transportation of belligerent property, or have engaged in 
war with the whole confederacy. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Transactions in South Carolina and Georgia.— Defeat of Ferguson.— Lord Cornwallis 
enters North Carolina.— Retreats out of that state.— Major Wemys defeated.— Tarl- 
ton repulsed.— Greene appointed to command the Southern army.— Arrives in camp. 
—Detaches Morgan over the Catawba.— Battle of the Covvpens.— Greene retreats 
into Virginia. — Lord Cornwallis retires to Hillsborough. — Greene recrosses the Dan. 
—Loyalists under Colonel Pyle cut to pieces.— Battle of Guilford.— Lord Cornwallis 
retires to Ramsay's mills.— To Wilmington. — Greene advances to Ramsay's mills.— 
Determines to enter South Carolina. — Lord Cornwallis resolves to enter Virginia. 

-^j2^ In the South, Lord Cornwallis found it necessary to 
suspend the new career of conquest on which he had in- 
tended to enter. In addition to the difficulty of obtaining food, a 
temper so hostile to British interests had appeared in South Caro- 
lina as to require great part of his force to subdue the spirit of in- 
surrection against his authority. General Marion had entered the 
north-eastern parts of that state with only sixteen men, and was 
rousing the well-affected inhabitants to arms, when the defeat of 
the 16th of August chilled the growing spirit of resistance. With 
the force he had collected, he rescued about one hundred and fifty 
continental troops who had been captured at Camden, and were 
on their way to Charleston. He made repeated excursions from 
the swamps in which he concealed himself, and skirmished suc- 
cessfully with the militia who had joined the royal standard, and 
the small parties of regulars who supported them. 

The interval between the victory of the 16th of August and the 
invasion of North Carolina, was employed in quelling what was 
termed the spirit of revolt in South Carolina. The efforts of the 
people to recover their independence were considered as new acts 
of rebellion. Several of the most active militiamen who had taken 
protections as British subjects, and entered into the British militia, 
having been made prisoners in the battle of Camden, were executed 
as traitors ; and orders were given to officers commanding at dif- 
ferent posts to proceed in the same manner against persons of a 
similar description. 

While pursuing these measures to break the spirit of insurrec- 
tion. Lord Cornwallis was indefatigable in urging his preparations 
for the expedition into North Carolina. Major Ferguson, who had 

What disposition, impeding the full triumph of the British arms in South 
Carolina, was now made manifest ? Mention the celebrated partisan who 
harassed the enemy. What occurred in North Carolina ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 189 

been employed in the district of Ninety-Six, to train the most loyal 
inhabitants, and to attach them to his own corps, was directed to 
enter the western parts of North Carolina for the purpose of em 
bodying the royalists in that quarter. 

On tbe 8th of September, Lord Cornwallis moved from Cam 
den and reached Charlotte in North Carolina late in that month. 
At this place he expected to be joined by Ferguson ; but that offi- 
cer was arrested by an event as important as it was unexpected. 

Colonel Clarke, a refugee from Georgia, had invested Augusta, 
but was compelled by the approach of Colonel Cruger from Ninety- 
Six to abandon the enterprise, and save himself by a rapid retreat. 
To favor the design of intercepting Clarke, Ferguson remained 
longer in the country than had been intended ; and this delay gave 
an opportunity to several volunteer corps to unite. The hardy 
mountaineers inhabiting the extreme western parts of Virginia and 
; North Carolina, assembled on horseback with their rifles under 
Colonels Campbell, M'Dowell, Cleveland, Shelby, and Sevier, and 
moved with their accustomed velocity towards Ferguson, who 
pressed his march for Charlotte. His messengers announcing his 
danger to Lord Cornwallis were intercepted, and no movement 
was made to favor his retreat. 

Colonel Campbell of Virginia was chosen to command the 
American parties. At the Cowpens, they were joined by Colonels 
Williams, Tracy, and Branan, of South Carolina. About nine 
hundred men were selected, by whom the pursuit was continued 
through the night, and through a heavy rain. The next day about 
three in the afternoon, they came within view of Ferguson, en- 
camped on the summit of King's Mountain — a ridge five or six 
hundred yards long and sixty or seventy wide. 

The Americans, who had arranged themselves into r\ ^ ^ 
three columns, the right commanded by Colonel Sevier 
and Major Winston, the centre by Colonels Campbell and Shelby, 
and the left by Colonels Cleveland and Williams, attacked the 
front and flanks of the British line. Ferguson made several im- 
petuous charges with the bayonet ; but before any one of them 
could completely disperse the corps against which it was directed, 
the destructive fire of the others called off his attention, and the 
broken corps was rallied, and brought again to the attack. Be- 
fore the fate of the day was absolutely decided, Ferguson received 
a mortal wound, and instantly expired. The courage of his party 
fell with him, and quarter was immediately demanded. 

In this sharp action, one hundred and fifty of Ferguson's party 
were killed on the spot, and about the same number were wounded. 

Mention the circumstance which favored the assembhng of the Americans 
who pursued and attacked Ferguson at King's Mountain. What were the 
result of the action, and the loss of the enemy ? 



190 MARSHALL'S 

Eight hundred and ten, of whom one hundred were British, were 
made prisoners ; and fifteen hundred stand of excellent arms were 
taken. 

The Americans, as is usual with riflemen, fought under the 
cover of trees, and their loss was inconsiderable. As cruelty begets 
cruelty, the example set by the British was followed, and ten of 
the most active of the royalists were hung on the spot. The vic- 
torious mountaineers returned to their homes. 

Lord Cornwallis, fearing for the posts in his rear, retreated to 
Wynnsborough, where he waited for reinforcements from New 
York. 

Sir Henry Clinton had determined to send a large detachment 
to the South, and had ordered the officer commanding it to enter 
the Chesapeake, and to take possession of the lower parts of Vir- 
ginia, after which he was to obey the orders he should receive 
from Lord Cornwallis. This detachment, amounting to near three 
thousand men, commanded by General Leslie, sailed on the 6th of 
October, and, entering James river, took possession of the country 
on its south side as high as Suffolk, and began to fortify Ports- 
mouth. At this place he received orders from Lord Cornwallis to 
repair to Charleston by water. 

While his lordship waited at Wynnsborough for this reinforce- 
ment, the light corps of his army were employed in suppressing 
the parties that were rising throughout the countr3^ Marion hav- 
ing become so formidable as to endanger the communication be- 
tween Camden and Charleston, Tarlton was detached against him, 
and Marion took refuge in the swamps. From the unavailing pur- 
suit of him, Tarlton was called to a different quarter, where an 
enemy, supposed to be entirely vanquished, had reappeared in 
considerable force. 

Sumpter had again assembled a respectable body of mounted 
militia, and was advancing on the British posts. Major Wemyss 
who marched against him with a regiment of infantry, and about 
forty dragoons, reached his camp several hours before day, and 
instantly attacked it. At the first fire Wemyss was disabled by 
two dangerous wounds. The assailants fell into confusion, and 
were repulsed with the loss of their commanding officer and twenty 
men. Sumpter was joined by Clarke and Branan, and threatened 
Ninety-Six. Tarlton was recalled and ordered to proceed against 
him. 

-jyT So rapid was the movement of that officer, that he had 

* nearly gained the rear of his enemy before notice of his re- 
turn was received. In the night, Sumpter was apprised of the 

Mention the British reinforcement that arrived in the South. What two 
American officers again appeared in arms ? Mention the action wherein 
Sumpter repulsed the enemy, and the pursuit that followed. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 191 

approaching danger by a deserter, and began his retreat. Tarlton 
overtook his rear guard at the ford of the Ennoree, and cut it to 
pieces. Fearing that Sumpter might save himself by crossing the 
Tyger, he pressed forward with about two hundred and eighty 
cavalry and mounted infantry, and, in the afternoon, j^ ^n 
came within view of the Americans, who were arranged 
in order of battle on the banks of the Tyger. Tlieir right flank 
was secured by the river, ancT their left by a barn of logs, in 
which a considerable number of men were placed. 

Tarlton rushed to the charge with his usual impetuosity. After 
several ineffectual attempts to dislodge the Americans, he retired 
with great precipitation, leaving ninety-two dead and one hundred 
wounded. Sumpter crossed the Tyger ; and, having been severely 
wounded, his troops dispersed. His loss was only three killed and 
four wounded. 

The shattered remains of the army defeated near Camden, had 
been slowly collected at Hillsborough. It amounted, with its re- 
inforcements, to about fourteen hundred continental troops. To 
these were added the militia of the country. 

While Lord Cornwallis remained at Charlotte, Gates detached 
Small wood to the ford of the Yadkin, with orders to take com- 
mand of all the troops in that quarter. As Lord Cornwallis re- 
treated. Gates advanced to Charlotte, Small wood moved down the 
Catawba, and Morgan, now a brigadier, was pushed forward some 
distance in his front. This was the arrangement of the troops 
when their General was removed. 

On the 5th of November, Congress passed a resolution requir- 
ing the commander-in-chief to order a court of enquiry on the 
conduct of General Gates, and to appoint some other officer to 
command the southern army, until the enquiry should be made. 

Washington selected Greene for that important service. In a 
letter to Congress recommending him to their support, he said Ge- 
neral Greene was " an officer in whose abilities, fortitude, and 
integrity, from a long and intimate experience of them, he had 
the most entire confidence." About the same time the legion of 
Lee was ordered into South Carolina. 

Greene reached Charlotte on the 2d of December ; and was 
soon afterwards gratified with the intelligence of a small success 
♦obtained by the address of Colonel Washington. 

Smallwood, having received information that a body of royal 
militia had entered the country in which he foraged, ordered Mor- 
gan and Washington against them. The militia retreated ; but 
Washington, being able to move with more celerity than the in- 

Mention the repulse of Tarleton. Where were the remains of the Ame- 
rican force collected, after the battle of Camden ? What General superseded 
Gates in command of the Southern army ? 



192 MARSHALL'S 

fantry, resolved to make an attempt on another party, which was 
stationed at Rugely's farm within thirteen miles of Camden. He 
found them posted in a logged barn, unassailable by cavalry, on 
which he resorted to the following stratagem. Having painted the 
trunk of a pine, and mounted it on a carriage so as to resemble a 
field-piece, he paraded it in front, and demanded a surrender. The 
whole party, consisting of one hundred and twelve men, with Co- 
onel Rugely at their head, becaifie prisoners of war. 

To narrow the limits of the British army, and to encourage 
the inhabitants, Greene directed Morgan to take a position near 
the confluence of the Pacolet with the Broad river. His party 
consisted of rather more than three hundred chosen continental 
infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, of Maryland, 
of Washington's light dragoons amounting to eighty men, and 
of two companies of Virginia militia, commanded by Captains 
Triplet and Taite, which were composed almost entirely of old 
continental soldiers. He was also to be joined on Broad river by 
seven or eight hundred volunteers, and by militia commanded by 
General Davidson and by Colonels Clarke and Few. The acti- 
vity of his troops, and the enterprising temper of their commander 
rendered him extremely formidable to the parties of the royal 
militia who were embodying in that part of the countr}^ 

Lord Cornwallis detached Tarlton with some infantry and ar- 
tillery added to his legion, so as to amount in the whole to a thou- 
sand men, for the purpose of affording protection to Ninety-Six. 
His lordship, having completed his preparations to enter North 
Carolina by the upper route, advanced northward between the 

J Catawba and Broad rivers. Leslie, who had halted at 

^' Camden, was ordered to move up the banks of the former; 

and Tarlton was ordered to strike at Morgan. Should 

that officer escape Tarlton, the hope was entertained that he might 

be intercepted by the main army which would bi between him 

and Greene. 

These combined movements were communicated to Morgan on 
the 14th of January. He retired across the Pacolet, the fords of 
which he was desirous of defending. Tarlton having effected a 
passage of that river about six miles below him, he made a pre- 
cipitate retreat ; and his pursuers occupied the camp he had aban- 
doned. Believing that he should be overtaken on his retreat, while 
his men were fatigued and discouraged, and thinking it more ad- 
visable to exhibit the appearance of fighting from choice, he de- 
termined to risk a battle at the Cowpens. 

At three in the morning of the 17th, Tarlton recommenced the 
pursuit. He found his enemy prepared to receive him. 

Mention the position and force of General Morgan. State also the prepa- 
rations to attack him. Where did the encounter take place ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 193 

On an eminence in an open wood, Morgan drew up his conti- 
ftental troops, and Triplet's corps, deemed equal to continentals, 
amounting to between four and five hundred men, commanded by 
Lieutenant-Colonel Howard. In their rear, on the descent of the 
hill, Lieutenant-Colonel Washington was posted with his cavalry, 
and a small body of mounted Georgia militia, commanded by 
Major Call. On these two corps rested his hopes of victory, and 
with them he remained in person. The front line was composed 
of militia under the command of Colonel Pickens. Major M'Dowell 
with a battalion of North Carolina volunteers, and Major Cunning- 
ham, with a battalion of Georgia volunteers, were advanced about 
one hundred and fifty yards in front of this line, with orders to 
give a single fire, and then to fall back into the interval left for 
them in the centre of the first line. The militia were ordered to 
keep up a retreating fire by regiments until they should pass the 
continental troops, on whose right they were to form. His whole 
force amounted to eight hundred men. 

Soon after this disposition was made, the British van appeared 
in sight. Their line of battle was instantly formed, and they 
rushed forward, shouting as they advanced. 

After a well-directed fire, M'Dowell and Cunningham fell back 
on Pickens, who, after a short but warm conflict, retreated into the 
rear of the second line. The British pressed forward with great 
eagerness ; and, though received by the continental troops with 
firmness, continued to advance. Tarlton ordered up his reserve. 
Perceiving that his enemy extended beyond him both on the right 
and left, and that his right flank especially was on the point of 
being turned, Howard ordered the company on his right to change 
its front, so as to face the British on that flank. This order being 
misunderstood, the company fell back ; and the rest of the line, 
supposing a change of ground to have been directed, began to 
retire in perfect order. At this moment. General Morgan rode 
up, and directed the infantry to retreat over the summit of the hill 
and join the cavalry. This judicious but hazardous movement 
was made in good order, and extricated the flanks from immediate 
danger. Believing the fate of the day to be decided, the British 
pressed forward with increased ardor, and in some disorder ; and 
when the Americans halted, were within thirty yards of them. 
The orders given by Howard to face the enemy were executed as 
soon as they were received; and the whole line poure:! jq a fire 
as deadly as it was unexpected. Some confusion appearing in 
the ranks of the enemy, Howard seized the critical moment, and 
ordered a charge with the bayonet. These orders were instantly 
obeyed, and the British line was broken. 

Mention the order of battle at the Cowpens, and the several movements 
which terminated in breaking the British line. 
17 



194 MARSHALL'S 

At the same moment, the corps of cavalry on the British right 
was routed by Washington. The militia of Pickens were closely 
pursued by the cavalry, who had passed the flank of the conti- 
nental infantry, and were cutting down the scattered militia in its 
rear. Washington directed his dragoons to charge them with 
drawn swords. A sharp conflict ensued, but it was not of long 
duration. The British were driven from the ground with slaughter, 
and were closely pursued. Both Howard and Washington pressed 
Ihcir advantage until the artillery and great part of the infantry 
had surrendered. 

In this engagement, upwards of one hundred British, including 
ten commissioned officers, were killed. Twenty-nine commis- 
sioned officers and five hundred privates were taken. Eight hun- 
dred muskets, with a number of baggage-wagons and dragoon 
horses, fell into the hands of the conquerors. The victory cost 
the Americans less than eighty men in killed and wounded. 

Tarlton retreated to the head quarters of Lord Cornwallis, then 
about twenty-five miles distant, at Turkey creek, on the east side 
of Broad river. This camp was as near as the Cowpens to the 
ford at which Morgan was to cross the Catawba. Comprehend- 
ing the full danger of being intercepted, he abandoned the baggage, 
left his wounded under the protection of a flag, detached the militia 
as an escort to his prisoners, and brought up the rear in person 
with his regulars. Passing Broad river in the evening, he hast- 
ened to the Catawba, which he passed at Sherwood's ford on the 
23d, and encamped on its eastern bank. 

Lord Cornwallis, having formed a junction with Leslie, reached 
Ramsay's mills on the 25th, where, to accelerate his future move- 
ments, he destroyed his baggage ; and, after collecting a small 
supply of provisions, resumed his line of march. He reached 
Sherald's ford on the evening of the 29th ; and, in the night, 
an immense flood of rain rendered the river impassable. While 
Morgan remained on the Catawba, General Greene arrived and 
took command of the detachment. He had left the other division 
to be commanded by General Huger. 

In his camp on the Pedee, he had been joined by Lee's legion, 
which he detached the next day to join Marion for the purpose 
of attempting to carry a British fort at Georgetown. The fort 
was surprised, but the success was only partial. 

Greene directed the Virginia militia under Stevens, whose 
terms of service were about to expire, to escort the prisoners 
taken at the Cowpens to Charlottesville in Virginia, while he di- 
rected his whole attention to the effecting of a junction with Huger. 

Did Morgan find It necessary to retreat, after his victory at the Cowpens ? 
What movements were made by Lord Cornwallis, with the view of inter- 
cepting the retiring Americans ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 195 

On the 1st of February, Lord Cornwallis forced a passage over 
the Catawba, at a ford which was defended by General Davidson, 
with three hundred North Carohna mihtia. Davidson was killed, 
and his troops dispersed. They were followed by Tarlton, who, 
hearing that the militia were assembling at a town about ten miles 
from the ford, hastened to the place of rendezvous, and, killing 
some, dispersed the residue. 

Greene retreated along the Salisbury road, and, on the evening 
of the 3d, crossed the Yadkin at the trading ford. His rear 
which was impeded by the baggage of the whigs, was overtaken 
by the van of the British army aJDOut midnight, and a skirmish 
ensued in which some loss was sustained. 

The boats being now collected on the northern side of the 
Yadkin, and the river unfordable, the pursuit was suspended ; and 
General Greene continued his march to Guilford Court-house, 
where he joined General Huger on the 9th. The infantry of the 
American army, including six hundred militia, amounted to about 
two thousand effectives, and the cavalry to between two and three 
hundred. 

Lord Cornwallis marched up the Yadkin, which he crossed on 
the morning of the 8th, and encamped the next day twenty-five 
miles above Greene, at Salem, with an army estimated at from 
twenty-five hundred to three thousand men, including three hun- 
dred cavalry. His object was to place himself between Greene 
and Virginia, so as to force that officer to a general action before 
he should be joined by the reinforcements preparing for him in 
that state. 

Greene was indefatigable in his exertions to cross the Dan, with- 
out exposing himself to the hazard of a battle. To effect this ob- 
ject, his cavalry, with the flower of his infantry, amounting together 
to rather more than seven hundred men, were formed into a light 
corps for the purpose of impeding the advance of the enemy until 
the baggage, with the military stores, should be secured. Morgan 
being rendered incapable of duty by illness, the command of this 
corps was given to Colonel Otho H. Williams. 

Lord Cornwallis had been informed that it would be impossible 
to obtain boats for the transportation of the American troops across 
the Dan before he could overtake them. He had, therefore, sup- 
posed that, by retaining his position above them, so as to proven 
their gaining the shallow fords, he would secure his object. Dix's 
ferry, on the direct road, was equidistant from the two armies. 
Considerably below were two other ferries, Boyd's and Irwin's, 
contiguous to each other ; and by taking the road leading to them. 

Narrate the circumstances of the retreat of General Greene before Corn- 
wallis, and state the time when the x\mericans crossed the river Yadkin. 
On what did the British rely, as an effectual impediment to the Americans ? 



196 MARSHALL'S 

the distance between the two armies was so much ground gained. 
At the suggestion of Lieutenant-Colonel Carrington, quartermaster- 
general for the southern department, Greene resolved to direct his 
march to these lower ferries, and to dispatch a light party to Dix's, 
in order to bring the boats at that and the intermediate ferries 
down the river to meet him. 

F K 10 '^^^^ ^^-^^ morning both armies resumed their march. 
Williams took a road between them ; and such were the 
boldness and activity of his corps, that Lord Cornwallis found it 
necessary to move with caution ; yet he marched near thirty miles 
each day. On the third day he attempted to surprise the Ameri- 
cans, by detaching from his rear while his front moved slowly ; 
but Lieutenant-Colonel Lee charged his advanced cavalry with 
such impetuosity as to cut a troop nearly to pieces. A captain and 
several privates were made prisoners. So rapid were the move- 
ments of both armies that, in the last twenty-four hours, the 
Americans marched forty miles ; and the rear had scarcely touch- 
ed the northern bank when the British van appeared on the oppo- 
site shore. 

Having driven Greene out of North Carolina, Lord Cornwallis 
turned his attention to the re-cstablishment of regal authority in 
that state. At Hillsborough, then its capital, he erected the royal 
standard, and issued a proclamation inviting the inhabitants to re- 
pair to it, and to assist him in restoring the ancient government. 
it was understood that seven independent companies were formed 
in a single day. 

Soon after entering Virginia, Greene was joined by six hundred 
militia drawn from the neighboring counties, who were command- 
ed by General Stevens. Alarmed at the progress made by the 
British general in embodying those who were attached to the royal 
cause, he determined, on receiving this small reinforcement, to re- 
enter North Carolina, and, avoiding a general action, to discourage 
this spirit of disaffection by showing himself in the field. The 
legion of Lee had repassed the Dan on the 18th, the light infantiy 
on the 21st, and they were followed by the residue of the army 
on the 23d. 

A large body of royalists had begun to embody themselves on 
the branches of the Haw river ; and Colonel Tarlton was detached 
from Hillsborough to conduct them to the British army. Greene 
ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, with his legion cavalry, and 
General Pickens, with between three and four hundred militia, to 
move against both parties. 

Lee, whose cavalry was in front, came up with the loyalists in 

Did the Americans succeed in crossing the river Dan with safety ? At\er 
thus leaving North Carolina, what considerations urged General Greene to a 
speedy return ? Upon what service did he send Lee and Pickens ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 197 

a long lane^ and was supposed to be a British officer. Perceiving 
their mistake, he purposed to avail himself of it by making propo- 
sitions to their colonel which might enable him to proceed in his 
design of surprising Tarlton. As he was about to make his com- 
munications, some of the militia who followed close in his rear 
were recognised by some of the insurgents, and a firing besjan. 
The alarm being thus given, Lee changed his plan, and turnino- 
on the loyalists, cut them to pieces while they were making pro- 
testations of loyalty. More than one hundred, among whom was 
Colonel Pyle, their leader, fell under the swords of his cavalry. 
This terrible but unavoidable carnage broke the spirits of the to- 
nes in that quarter of the country. 

The hope of surprising Tarlton being thus disappointed, the 
attack on him was postponed, and Pickens and Lee took a position 
between him and a body of militia which was advancing under 
Colonel Preston from the western parts of Virginia. Tarlton had 
meditated an attempt on this corps ; but at midnight, when his 
troops were paraded for the purpose, he received an express, di- 
recting his immediate return to the army. 

On the 27th, Lord Cornwallis, to approach more nearly the 
great body of the loyalists, crossed the Haw and encamped on 
AUimance creek. As the British army retired, General Greene 
advanced, still carefully avoiding a general action ; but, by the 
activity of his light troops, intimidating the disaffected. 

On the 6th of March, Lord Cornwallis moved out in full force 
in the hope of surprising the light infantry under cover of a thick 
fog. A sharp skirmish ensued, but the advance of the British 
army obliged Williams to retire. The further designs of his lord- 
ship were disappointed by the junction of General Greene with his 
light infantry on the north-eastern bank of the Haw. 

At length his reinforcements were received, and Greene, in his 
turn, sought a battle. He dissolved the corps of light ^.r , ^ . 
infantry, and encamped within eight miles of his enemy, 
at Guilford Court-house. Plis army, including officers, amounted 
to four thousand five hundred men, of whom not quite two thou- 
sand were continental troops. Of the four regiments compos- 
ing the continental infantry, only one, the first Maryland, was 
veteran. The other three consisted of new levies, among whom 
a few old continental soldiers were interspersed. The officers 
were veteran. 

Early in the morning of the 15th, the fire of his reconnoitring 
parties announced the approach of the enemy on the great Salis- 
bury road, and his army was immediately arranged in order of 

Narrate the manner in which the loyalists under Colonel Pyle were de- 
stroyed. What were the movements of Cornwallis ? Why did Greene at 
first avoid a battle, and what decided him to change his determination ? 
17* 



198 MARSHALL'S 

battle. It was drawn up in three lines on a large hill, chiefly co- 
vered with trees and underwood. 

The first line was composed of the North Carolina militia, who 
were posted on the edge of the wood, behind a strong rail fence, 
with an open field in front. 

The Virginia militia formed the second line. They were drawn 
up in the wood, on either side of the great road, about three hun- 
dred yards in rear of the first. 

The third line was placed about three hundred yards in rear of 
the second, and was composed of continental troops. 

Washington's dragoons, Kirkwood's company of light infantry, 
and Lynch's militia riflemen, formed a corps of observation for 
the security of the right flank, which was commanded by Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Washington. The legion, and a body of militia 
riflemen, commanded by Colonels Campbell and Preston, formed 
a corps of observation for the security of the left flank, which was 
placed under Lieutenant-Colonel Lee. The artillery was in the 
front line, in the great road leading through the centre. 

Lord Cornwallis, though sensible that the numbers of his ad- 
versary were augmented by troops who could not be kept long in 
the field, deemed it so important to maintain the appearance of 
superiority, that he resolved to hazard a general engagement. 
Early on the morning of the 15th, he moved from his ground, de- 
termined to attack the adverse army wherever it should be found. 
About four miles from Guilford Court-house, his advance, under 
Tarlton, fell in with Lee, and a sharp skirmish ensued, which 
terminated on his appearance in force. On coming within view 
of the American army, his disposition for the attack was made, 
and the British troops advanced to the charge with the cool intre- 
pidity which discipline inspires. 

The North Carolina militia broke instantly; and, throwing 
away their arms, fled through the woods, seeking their respective 
homes. 

The second line received the charge with more firmness ; and 
maintained their ground for some time. Lord Cornwallis, ob- 
serving the corps on his flanks, brought up the whole of his re- 
served infantry into the line. 

The British continuing to advance, and it being well understood 
that the militia could not stand the bayonet, the brigade of Ste- 
vens, who had maintained their ground, were ordered to retreat, 
and the enemy advanced boldly on the third line. 

The several divisions of the British army had been separated 
from each other by extending themselves in order to engage the 

State the dispositions on each side for the battle at Guilford Court-house. 
What part of the American force immediately fled ? What then took place, 
as respectai the second line ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 199 

distinct corps which threatened their flanks ; and by advancing in 
regiments at different times, as the different parts of the second 
line had given way. The thickness of the wood increased the 
difficulty of restoring order. They pressed forward with great 
eagerness, but with considerable irregularity. 

Greene entertained the most sanguine hopes of victory. His 
continental troops were fresh, in perfect order, and about to engage 
an enemy broken into distinct parts. This fair prospect was blasted 
by the misconduct of a single corps. The second regiment of 
Maryland was posted at some distance from the first, its left form- 
ing almost a right angle with the line, so as to present a front to 
any corps which might attack on that flank. The second batta- 
lion of guards, following close on the brigade of Stevens, rushed 
on the second regiment of Maryland which broke in the utmost 
confusion. By pursuing them the guards were thrown into the 
rear of the first regiment of Maryland, then engaged with Webster, 
but concealed from their view by the unevenness of the ground, 
and by a skirt of wood. 

About this time Webster had retired across a ravine into an 
adjoining wood. This critical respite enabled the corps that had 
been engaged with him to face the guards, who were called ofl? 
from the pursuit of the second Maryland regiment, and brought 
against them by Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart. A very animated fire 
took place, during which the Americans gained ground. 

In this critical moment, Lieutenant-Colonel Washington made a 
furious charge on the guards and broke their ranks. Almost at 
the same instant, the infantry rushed upon them with the bayonet, 
and following the horse through them were masters of the whole 
battalion. After passing through the guards, Howard, who then 
commanded the regiment. Colonel Gunby having been separated 
from it by his horse being killed under him and by the rapidity of 
its advance, perceived several British columns with some pieces 
of artillery. Believing his regiment to be the sole infantry re- 
maining in the field, he retreated in good order, bringing off some 
prisoners, and was followed by the cavalry. 

Greene observing the flight of the second Maryland regiment, 
and being unwilling to risk his remaining three regiments, only 
one of which could be relied on, had ordered Colonel Greene of 
Virginia to take a position in the rear, for the purpose of covering 
the retreat of the two regiments which still remained in the field. 
About the time that Howard withdrew from the action, the remain- 
ing Virginia regiment commanded by Colonel Hawes, and Kirk- 
wood's company, were also ordered to retire. The retreat was con- 
Did Greene, at this juncture, hope to gain the battle ? Relate the miscon- 
duct of two Maryland regiments, and the incidents of the contest on the right 
and centre of the Americans. 



200 MARSHALL'S 

ducted in good order, and General Greene brought up the rear in 
person. 

Though the action was over on the right and centre, Campbell's 
riflemen still continued it on the extreme left. 

After the first battalion of guards and the regiment of Bose 
had routed Lawson's brigade, they were attacked by Campbell's 
riflemen and the legion infantry, and the action was maintained 
with great obstinacy until the battle was decided on the right. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Tarlton was ordered to charge the Americans, 
and they retired from the field. 

Two regiments of infantry and a corps of cavalry pursued the 
right and centre of the Americans for a short distance, but were 
ordered to return. Lord Cornwallis found himself too much weak- 
ened in the action to hazard its renewal, or to continue the pur- 
suit. General Greene halted about three miles from the field of 
battle for the purpose of collecting stragglers, and then retired 
twelve miles to the iron works on Troublesome creek. 

The loss of the continental troops in killed, wounded, and miss- 
ing, was fourteen ofhcers, and three hundred and twelve non-com- 
missioned officers and privates. Major Anderson of Maryland 
was killed ; and General Huger was wounded. 

The loss of the militia was stated at four Captains and seven- 
teen privates killed. One Brigadier-General, one Major, three 
Captains, eight subalterns, and sixty privates, were wounded. 

Official accounts state the loss of the British army at five hun- 
dred and thirty-two men, among whom were several officers of 
distinguished merit. Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart was killed, and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Webster mortally wounded. The loss, com- 
pared with the numbers brought into the field, was very consider- 
able. Lo^ Cornwallis stated his rank and file at fourteen hundred 
and forty-five. 

.No battle in the course of the war reflects more honor on the 
courage of the British troops than that of Guilford. On no other 
occasion have they fought with such inferiority of numbers or dis- 
advantage of ground. General Greene's army, estimating his first 
line at nothing, consisted of three thousand two hundred men, 
posted on ground chosen by himself; and his disposition was skil- 
fully made. 

The American General prepared for another engagement, but 
Loi-d Cornwallis found it necessary to retreat to a place of greater 
security, where provisions might be obtained. 

When the expedition into North Carolina was meditated. Major 
Craig took possession of Wilmington on Cape Fear river. Lord 

What was the termination of the engagement, and why did Cornwallis 
hesitate to renew the fight or engage in pursuit ? What was the respective 
loss ? Whither did each army now retire ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 201 

Cornwallis now looked to a communication with this post, for aids 
which had become indispensable to his farther operations. On the 
18th of March, he broke up his encampment and proceeded by- 
slow and easy march, to Wilmington, where he arrived on the 7th 
of April. 

General Greene resolved to follow him, but was so delayed by 
rhe necessity of waiting for a supply of ammunition, and by the 
difficulty of subsisting his troops, that he did not reach Ramsay's 
mills till the 28th of March. 

At this place he gave over the pursuit ; and formed the bold and 
happy resolution to carry the war into South Carolina. 

This unexpected movement gave a new aspect to affairs, and 
produced some irresolution in the British General respecting his 
future operations. He finally determined to advance into Virginia. 



CHAPTER XXT. 

Virginia invaded by Arnold.— He destroys the stores at Westham and at Richmond.— 
Retires to Portsmouth.— Mutiny of the Pennsylvania line.— Sir H. Clinton attempts to 
negotiate with the mutineers.— They compromise with the Government.— Mutiny in the 
Jersey line.— Mission of Colonel Laurens to France.— Congress recommends a system 
of revenue.— Reform in the Executive departments.— Confederation adopted.— Mili- 
tary transactions.— Lafayette detached to Virginia.— Cornwallis arrives.— Presses La- 
fayette.— Expedition to Charlottesville, to Point of Fork.— Lafayette forms a junction 
with Wayne.— Cornwallis retires to the lower country.— General W^ashington's letters 
intercepted. — Action near Jamestown. 

The evacuation of Portsmouth by Leslie afforded Vir- .. ^q.. 
ginia but a short interval of repose. On the 30th of De- 
cember 1780, a fleet of transports, having on board between one 
and two thousand men, commanded by General Arnold, anchored 
in Hampton roads, and proceeded next day up James' river, under 
convoy of two small ships of war. On the 4th of January, they 
landed at Westover, about twenty-five miles from Richmond, the 
metropolis of the state, and Arnold commenced his march the 
next day for that place at the head of about nine hundred men. 

A few continental troops who were at Petersburg, were ordered 
to the capital ; and between one and two hundred militia, collected 
from the town and its immediate vicinity, were directed to harass 
the advancing enemy. This party being too feeble for its object, 
Arnold entered Richmond on the 5th, where he halted with about 
five hundred men. The residue proceeded under Lieutenant-Colonel 
Simcoe to Westham, where they burnt several public buildings 
with military stores to a considerable amount, and many valuable 

What resolution was formed by General Greene, and whither did Com- 
wallis determine to proceed ? Relate the particulars of an inroad into Vir- 
ginia, by a British force commanded by the traitor Arnold ? 



202 MARSHALL'S 

papers which had been carried thither as to a place of safety. This 
service being effected, Simcoe rejoined Arnold at Richmond ; where 
the public stores, and a large quantity of rum and salt belonging 
to private individuals, were destroyed. 

The army returned to Westover on the 7th, and re-embarking 
on the 10th, proceeded down the river. It was followed by the 
Baron Steuben with a few new levies and militia. Near Hood's, 
Colonel Clarke drew a party of them into an ambuscade, and gave 
them one fire with some effect, but, on its being partially returned, 
ihe Americans fled in the utmost confusion. 

Arnold reached Portsmouth on the 20th, where he manifested 
an intention to establish a permanent post. 

The loss of the British in this expedition was stated in the New 
York Gazette at seven killed, including one subaltern ; and twenty- 
three wounded, among whom was one captain. This small loss 
was sustained almost entirely in the ambuscade near Hood's. 

In the North, the year commenced with an event which, for a 
time, threatened the American cause with total ruin. 

The accumulated sufierings and privations of the army consti- 
tute a large and interesting part of the history of that war which 
gave independence to the United States. In addition to these, the 
Pennsylvania line complained of grievances almost peculiar to 
itself. 

When Congress directed enlistments to be made for three years 
or during the war, the recruiting officers of Pennsylvania, in some 
instances, instead of engaging their men definitively for the one 
period or the other, engaged them generally for three years or the 
war. This ambiguity produced its natural effect. The soldier 
claimed his discharge at the expiration of three years, and the 
officer insisted on retaining him during the war. 

The discontents, which had been long fomenting, broke out on 
the 1st of January in an open and almost universal revolt of the 
line. On a signal given, the non-commissioned officers and pri- 
vates paraded under arms, avowing their determination to march 
to the seat of government and obtain redress, or serve no longer. 
In attempting to suppress the mutiny, six or seven mutineers were 
wounded on the one side ; and, on the other. Captain Billings was 
killed, and several other officers were dangerously wounded. The 
authority of General Wayne availed nothing ; and the whole line, 
consisting of thirteen hundred men, marched under the command 
of their Serjeants, with six field-pieces, towards Princeton. 

The next day they were followed by General Wayne, accom- 
panied by Colonels Butler and Stewart ; and overtaken near Mid- 

What was the loss of the enemy, in this predatory expedition? Mention 
the cause which produced so much dissatisfaction in the American army, an*3 
at length ended in the revolt of the Pennsylvania line. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 203 

<!iebrook. A sergeant was deputed from each regiment, on a 
written invitation from Wayne, with whom a conference was held ; 
and, on the succeeding day, the soldiers proceeded to Princeton. 
At that place the propositions of the general and field-officers were 
communicated to them, and referred to a committee of sergeants, 
who stated their claims. But these could not be acceded to. 

A committee of Congress, united with the Governor and some 
members of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania, proceeded to 
Princeton tor the purpose of endeavoring to accommodate this dan- 
gerous commotion. 

At his head quarters at New Windsor, on the North river, Gen- 
eral Washington received intelligence of this alarming mutiny. 
Accustomed as he had been to contemplate hazardous and difficult 
situations, it was not easy, under existing circumstances, to resolve 
instantly on the course it was most prudent to pursue. His first 
impression — to repair to the camp of the mutineers — soon gave 
place to opinions which were formed on more mature reflection ; 
and he thought it advisable to leave the negotiation with the civil 
power, and to prepare for those measures which ought to be adopt- 
ed in the event of its failure. After soun(?ing the disposition of 
the troops on the North river, and finding them to be favorable, a 
detachment of eleven hundred men was ordered to be in readiness 
to move at a moment's warning. The militia of New Jersey were 
assembled under General Dickenson, and measures were taken to 
call out those of New York. 

To avail himself of an event so auspicious to the royal cause, 
Sir Henry Clinton despatched three emissaries with tempting offers 
to the revolters, and instructions to invite them, while the negotia- 
tion was depending, to take a position behind the South river, 
where they could be covered by detachments from New York. 
Meanwhile, he kept his eye on West Point. 

His emissaries were seized, and their proposals communicated 
to General Wayne, but they were not surrendered ; nor could the 
revolters be induced to cross the Delaware, or to march from 
Princeton. Their former officers, except those already mentioned, 
were not permitted to enter their camp ; and Generals St. Clair 
and Lafayette, and Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, were ordered to 
leave Princeton. 

Such was the state of things when the committee of Congress, 
and President Read, with a part of his executive council, arrived 
in the neighborhood of the revolters. The former having delegated 
their power to the latter, a conference was held with the Serjeants, 
after which proposals were made and distributed among the troops 
for consideration. The government offered — 

What committee proceeded to confer with the mutineers ? Mention the 
arrangements of Washington to quell them. Were the emissaries from 
Sir Henry Clinton listened to with favor ? 



204 MARSHALL'S 

1st. To discharge all those who had enlisted indefinitely for 
three years, or during the war, the fact to be examined into by 
three commissioners to be appointed by the executive ; and to be 
ascertained, when the original enlistment could not be produced, 
by the oath of the soldier. 

2d. To give immediate certificates for the depreciation on their 
pay, and to settle the arrearages as soon as circumstances would 
admit. 

3d. To furnish them immediately with certain specified articles 
of clothing. 

On receiving these propositions, the troops agreed to march to 
Trenton, where they were accepted, with the addition that three 
commissioners, to be deputed by the line, should be added to the 
board authorized to determine on the claims of soldiers to a dis- 
charge. The British emissaries were then surrendered, and were 
executed as spies. 

While the investigation was depending, the Serjeants retained 
their command. Under this irksome state of things, the business 
was pressed with so much precipitation, that almost the whole of 
the artillery, and of the five first regiments of infantry, were dis- 
charged on the oaths of the soldiers, before the enlistments could 
be brought from their huts. When they were produced, it was 
found that not many of those whose claims remained to be ex- 
amined were entitled to a discharge ; and that, of those actually 
dismissed, the greater number had been enlisted for the war. The 
discharges given, however, were not cancelled, and the few who 
were to remain in service received fin'loughs for forty days. 

Thus ended a mutiny, of which a voluntary performance of 
much less than was extorted, would have prevented. 

The dangerous policy of yielding even to the just demands of 
soldiers with arms in their hands, was soon illustrated. On the 
niglit of the 20th, a part of the Jersey brigade, which had been 
stationed at Pompton, many of whom were also foreigners, rose in 
arms ; and, making the same claims which had been yielded to 
the Pennsylvanians, marched to Chatham, where a part of the 
same brigade was cantoned, in the hope of exciting them also to 
join in the revolt. 

General Washington, who had been extremely chagrined at the 
issue of the revolt in the Pennsylvania line, ordered a detachment 
of the eastern troops, who were natives, to maTch against the mu- 
tineers, and to bring them to unconditional submission. General 
Howe, who commanded, was ordered to make no terms with them 
while in a state of resistance ; and, as soon as they should sur- 

What terms were at last made with the revolters? Mention the fraud 
practised by many of them. What second mutiny followed this evil exam- 
ple ? What was Washington's determination ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 205 

render, to seize a few of the most active and execute them on the 
spot. These orders were obeyed, and the Jersey mutineers re- 
turned to their duty. This mutiny was crushed too suddenly to 
allow time for the operation of the measures taken by Sir Henry 
Clinton to avail himself of it. 

The vigorous measures taken in this instance, were happily fol- 
lowed by such attention on the part of the states to their respective 
quotas, as, in some measure, to check the progress of discontent. 

Although the resources of the government were inadequate to 
its exigencies, the discontents of the people were daily multiplied 
by the contributions which they were required to make, and by 
the irritating manner in which those contributions were drawn 
from them. Every article for public use was obtained by im- 
pressment, and the taxes were either unpaid, or collected by co- 
ercive means. Strong remonstrances were made against this 
system ; and the dissatisfaction which pervaded the mass of the 
community was scarcely less dangerous than that which had been 
manifested by the army. 

To relieve the United States from their complicated embarrass- 
ments, a foreign loan seemed an expedient of indispensable neces- 
sity ; and from France they hoped to obtain it. Congress selected 
Lieutenant- Colonel Laurens for this interesting service, and in- 
structed him also to urge the advantage of maintaining a naval su- 
periority in the American seas. Before his departure, he received 
from General Washington, in the form of a letter, the result of his 
reflections on the existing state of things. 

With much reason the commander-in-chief urged on the cabinet 
of Versailles the vital policy of affording powerful aids to the 
United States through the next campaign. Deep was the gloom 
with which their political horizon was overcast. The British, in 
possession of South Carolina and Georgia, had overrun great part 
of North Carolina also ; and a second detachment from New 
York was making a deep impression on Virginia. 

The restoration of credit was indispensable to their affairs, and 
the establishment of a revenue, subject to the exclusive control of 
the continental government, was connected inseparably with the 
restoration of credit. The efforts therefore to negotiate a foreign 
loan were accompanied by resolutions recommending to the seve- 
ral states to vest a power m Congress to levy for the use of the 
United States, a duty of five per centum ad valorem on all goods 
imported into any of them ; and also on all prizes condemned in 
the courts of admiralty. This plan, though unequal to the public 
exigencies, was never adopted. 

How was the Jersey mutiny suppressed ? Upon what mission was Lau- 
rens sent ? In addition to these efforts to procure a foreign loan, vhat mea- 
sures were adopted by Congress ? 
18 



a06 M A R S H A L L'S 

About the same time a reform was introduced into the adminis- 
tration, the necessity of which had been long perceived. All the 
great executive duties had been devolved either on committees of 
Congress, or on boards consisting of several members. This un- 
wieldy and expensive system had maintained itself against all the 
efforts of reason and utility. But the scantiness of the public 
means at length prevailed over prejudice, and the several commit- 
tees and boards yielded to a secretary for foreign affairs, a super- 
mtendant of finance, a secretary of war, and a secretary of 
marine. But so miserably defective was the organization of Con- 
gress, that the year was far advanced before this measure could 
be carried into complete execution. 

About this time the articles of confederation were ratified. 
Much difficulty had been encountered in obtaining the adoption of 
this instrument. At length, in February 1781, to the great joy of 
America, this interesting compact was rendered complete. Like 
many other human institutions, it was productive, neither in war 
nor in peace, of all the benefits which its sanguine advocates had 
anticipated. 

Such was the defensive strength of the positions taken by the 
adverse armies on the Hudson, that no decisive blow could be 
given by either. The anxious attentions of General Washington, 
therefore, were directed to the South. One of those incidents 
which fortune occasionally produces, presented an opportunity 
which he deemed capable of being improved to the destruction of 
the British army in Virginia. 

Late in January, a part of the British fleet sustained so much 
damage by a storm, as to destroy for a time the superiority which 
Arbuthnot had uniformly pursued. To turn this temporary advan- 
tage to account. Monsieur Destouches detached a ship of the line 
with two frigates to the Chesapeake ; a force which the delegation 
of Virginia had assured him was sufficient for the object. 

Confident that the critical moment must be seized, and that the 
co-operation of a land and naval force was indispensable to suc- 
cess, General Washington had ordered a detachment of twelve 
hundred men under the command of the Marquis de Lafayette, to 
the head of the Chesapeake, there to embark for that part of 
Virginia which was to become the theatre of action, under convoy 
of a French frigate for which he applied to the Admiral. He im- 
mediately communicated this measure to the Count de Rochambeau 
and to Monsieur Destouches, with his conviction that no serious 
advantage could be expected from a few ships unaided by land 

What change was made in the administration of American affairs ? When 
were the articles of confederation ratified ? What reason prevented active 
measures in the north ? What naval operations took place in the Chesa- 
peake ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 207 

troops. He recommended that the whole fleet, with a detachment 
of one thousand men, should be employed on the expedition. 

His representations did not prevail. Monsieur de Tilley had 
sailed for the Chesapeake with a sixty-four gun ship and two fri- 
gates ; and, as some of the British ships had been repaired, the 
Admiral did not think it prudent to put to sea with the residue of 
his fleet. 

As had been foreseen by General Washington, De Tilley found 
Arnold in a situation not to be assailed with any prospect of suc- 
cess, and returned to Newport. 

After the return of De Tilley, the French General and Admiral 
proposed in a letter to General Washington, to make a second ex- 
pedition to the Chesapeake with the whole fleet, and with eleven 
hundred men. He hastened to Newport ; and on the 6th of March 
met the Count de Rochambeau on board the Admiral, and it was 
determined that the armament should put to sea as soon as possi- 
ble. The fleet did not sail till the evening of the 8th. 

Two days after Destouches had sailed, he was followed by Ar- 
buthnot, who overtook him off" the capes of Virginia. A partial 
engagement ensued which continued about an hour, when the 
fleets were separated. The French Admiral called a council of 
war in which it was declared unadvisable to renew the action, and 
he returned to Newport. 

Late in March, General Philips arrived in Virginia with two 
thousand men, and took command of the British forces in that 
state. After completing the fortifications at Portsmouth, he com- 
menced offensive operations Two thousand five hundred men 
spread themselves over the lower end of that narrow neck of 
land which is made by York and James' river, and after destroy- 
ing some public property in the neck, and the vessels in the rivers, 
re-embarked and proceeded to City Point, where they landed in the 
afternoon of the 24th of April. The next day they marched 
against Petersburg, where immense quantities of tobacco, and some 
other stores, were deposited. 

The Baron Steuben was not in a condition to check their pro- 
gress. The levies of Virginia had marched to the aid of General 
Greene ; and the whole number of militia in the field did not much 
exceed two thousand men. One thousand of them were placed a 
mile below the town, for the purpose of skirmishing with the ad- 
vancing enemy. They were employed two or three hours in 
driving this party over the Appamattox ; on passing which the 
bridge was taken up, and farther pursuit became impracticable. 
The Baron retreated towards Richmond, and Philips took posses* 

Mention the ineffectual movements of the French naval force. When did 
( a British force invade Virginia? What town was taken by the enemy, and 
i what mischief done ? 



20S MARSHALL'S 

sion of Petersburg, where he destroyed a considerable quantity of 
tobacco and all the vessels lying in the river. 

Arnold was then detached to Warwick against a small naval 
force which had been collected between that place and Richmond, 
for the purpose of co-operating with the French fleet ; and Philips 
took the road by Chesterfield Court-house, the place of rendezvous 
for the new levies of Virginia, in order to destroy the barracks 
and public stores. Each party having effected its object, they re- 
united on the 30th, and marched to Manchester on the southern 
bank of James' river, opposite to Richmond, where the warehouses 
were set on fire and all the tobacco destroyed. 

.X)n the preceding evening, the Marquis de Lafayette, who had 
made a forced march from Baltimore, arrived in Richinond, and 
saved that place, in which a great proportion of the military stores 
of the state were then collected. His detachment was joined by 
about two thousand militia and sixty dragoons. 

General Philips retired to Bermuda Hundred, where his troops 
re-embarked and fell down the river to Hog island. At this place 
he received a letter from Lord Cornwallis, directing him to take 
his station at Petersburg. 

General Lafayette, on being informed that Lord Cornwallis was 
marching northward, and that General Philips had landed at 
Brandon on the south side of James' river, was persuaded that a 
junction of the two armies was intended, and hastened to take 
possession of Petersburg. Being anticipated in this design by the 
British General, he recrossed James' river, and used his utmost 
exertions to remove the military stores from Richmond. 

Lord Cornwallis, afler effecting a junction with Arnold, who 
had succeeded by the death of Philips to the command of the 
British forces in Virginia, determined on a vigorous plan of offen- 
sive operations. He crossed James' river at Westover, where he 
was joined by a reinforcement from New York, and attempted, by 
turning the left flank of the Marquis, to get into his rear. 

Lafayette was not in a condition to risk an engagement. His 
objects were to save the public stores, and to effect a junction with 
the Pennsylvania line, which was marching southward under the 
command of General Wayne. 

The fine horses found in the stables of private gentlemen ena- 
bled the British General to mount so many infantry, as to move 
large detachments with unusual rapidity. Pie was so confident of 
overtaking and destroying his enemy as to say exultingly, " the 
boy cannot escape me." His hopes, however, were disappointed, 
and, afler marching some distance up the northern side of North- 

What further destruction was effected by the British ? Who approached 
them from the north ? What induced Lafayette to avoid a battle ? Was he 
pursued, and did he escape ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 200 

anna, he relinquished the pursuit, and turned his attention to other 
objects. 

Military stores had been collected, among other places, at the 
Point of Fork, the confluence of the Rivanna and Fluvanna, the 
two branches of James' river, which were protected by between 
five and six hundred new levies, and a few militia, commanded 
by the Baron Steuben. Colonel Simcoe was detached against 
this post at the head of five hundred men ; and Tarlton, w4th 
about two hundred and fifty cavalry and mounted infantry, was 
ordered against Charlottesville, where the General Assembly was 
in session. Notice of his approach was given by a private gen 
tleman, Mr. Jouiette, on a fleet horse, and nearly all the members 
of the legislature escaped, and re-assembled at Staunton. Tarl- 
ton, after destroying the stores, proceeded down the river to the 
Point of Fork. 

The Baron Steuben, hearing of the expedition to Charlottesville, 
had employed himself in removing the military stores from the 
Point of Fork to the south side of the Fluvanna. On the approach of 
Tarlton and Simcoe, he withdrew precipitately in the night, and 
the stores which had not been removed, were destroyed by a few 
men who crossed the Rivanna in canoes. 

To secure his junction with Wayne, Lafayette had crossed the 
Rapidan. The movements of the two armies had placed Lord 
Cornwallis between him and a large quantity of military stores, 
which had been transported up the river from Richmond, and de- 
posited at Albemarle old court-house. To this place. Lord Corn- 
wallis directed his march. 

The Marquis, after eflecting a junction with the Pennsylvania 
line, amounting to eight hundred men, advanced with celerity to- 
wards the British army, and encamped within a few miles of it. 
While upwards of a day's march from its point of destination, 
Lord Cornwallis encamped at Elk Island, and advanced his light 
parties to a position commanding the road by which it was sup- 
posed the Americans must pass. Lafayette, however, in the 
night, discovered a nearer road, which had been long disused ; 
and next morning, the British general had the mortification to per- 
ceive that the American army had crossed the Rivanna, and taiken 
a strong position behind Mechunk creek, which commanded the 
route leading to Albemarle old court-house. At this place, a con- 
siderable reinforcement of mountain militia was received. 

Lord Cornwallis, desirous of transferring the war to the lower 
country, retired first to Richmond, and afterwards to Williams- 
burg. 

Whither, and for what purpose, were the British officers Simcoe and Tarl- 
ton sent? To what extent was each successful ? Mention the several move 
ments of Cornwallis and Lafayette, 

18* 



210 MARSHALL'S 

The Marquis followed, with cautious circumspection. On the 
18th of June, he was reinforced by four or five hundred new 
levies, under the Baron Steuben, which augmented his army to 
four thousand men, of whom two thousand were regulars. 

As the British army retreated, Lafayette pressed its rear with 
light parties. Colonel Simcoe, who covered the retreat, was over- 
taken by Colonel Butler, about six miles from Williamsburg, and 
a sharp action ensued. The approach of large reinforcements to 
the British, compelled the Americans to retire. 

Although, from various causes. Lord Cornwallis had encoun- 
tered less resistance in his bold and rapid march through Virginia 
than was to be expected, no disposition was manifested to join the 
royal standard, or to withdraw from the contest. The Marquis 
complained " of much slowness and much carelessness in the 
country ; but the dispositions of the people," he said, " were good, 
and they required only to be awakened." This, he thought, would 
be best effected by the presence of General Washington. But 
Washington deemed it of more importance to remain on the Hud- 
son, for the purpose of digesting and conducting a grand plan of 
combined operations then meditated against New York. 

An express, carrying letters communicating to Congress the 
result of his consultations, on this subject, with the commanders 
of the land and naval forces of France, was intercepted in Jersey. 
The disclosure made by these letters alarmed Sir Henry Clinton 
for New York, and determined him to require the return of part 
of the troops in Virginia. Supposing himself too weak, after com- 
plying with this requisition, to remain in Williamsburg, Lord 
Cornwallis took the resolution of retiring to Portsmouth. 

He marched from Williamsburg on the 4th of July, and a part 
of his troops crossed over into the island of Jamestown on the 
same evening. The two succeeding days were employed in pass- 
ing over the baggage. J^afayette pushed his best troops within 
nine miles of the British camp, with the intention of attacking 
their rear, when the main body should have passed into Jamestown. 

Suspecting his design. Lord Cornwallis encamped the greater 
part of his army compactly on the main, and displayed a few 
troops on the island, so as in appearance to magnify their num- 
bers. Believing that the greater part of the British had passed 
over in the night, Lafayette detached some riflemen to harass 
their outposts, while he advanced on their rear with his continental 
troops. 

The piquets were forced by the riflemen, without much resist- 
ance ; but an advanced post, -which covered the camp from the 

What were the dispositions of the people in Virginia ? Mention the pro- 
ject of Washington against New York, and its consequences as to the Brit- 
ish army in the south. Where did CornwaUis now repair ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 211 

view of the Ameiicans, was perseveringly maintained, though 
three of the officers commanding it were successively picked off 
by the riflemen. Lafayette, who arrived a httle before sunset, 
suspecting that this post covered more than a rear-guard, deter- 
mined to reconnoitre the camp. From a tongue of land, stretch- 
ing into the river, he perceived that the enemy was in much 
greater force than had been supposed, and hastened to call off 
his men. 

He found Wayne closely engaged. In the attempt to seize a 
piece of artillery, purposely exposed, that officer discovered the 
whole British army moving out against him, in order of battle. 
To retreat was impossible; and Wayne, with his detachment, 
not exceeding eight hundred men, made a gallant charge on the 
whole line of the enemy. A warm action ensued, which was 
kept up till the arrival of Lafayette, who ordered Wayne to re- 
treat, and form in a line with the light infantry, which was drawn 
up half a mile in his rear. The whole party then saved itself be- 
hind a morass. 

Lord Cornwallis, suspecting an ambuscade, would allow no 
pursuit ; and in the night crossed over into the island, whence he 
proceeded to Portsmouth. 

In this action, the Americans lost one hundred and eighteen 
men, among whom were ten officers. The British loss was less 
considerable. 

The campaign in Virginia enhanced the military reputation of 
Lafayette, and raised him in the general esteem. That with a 
decided inferiority of effective force, and especially of cavalry, he 
had been able to keep the field in an open country, and to pre- 
serve a considerable proportion of his military stores, as well as 
his army, was believed to furnish unequivocal evidence of his pru- 
dence and vigor. 



CHAPTER XXIL 

State of affairs in the beginningof 1781.— Measures of Mr. Morris.— Designs of General 
Washington against New York.— Rochambeau marches to the North River.— Intel- 
ligence from the Count de Grasse. — Plan of operations against Lord Cornwallis. — 
Naval engagement. — The combined armies march for the Chesapeake. — Yorktown 
invested.— Surrender of Lord Cornwallis. 

The total incompetency of the political system which i«q, 
had been adopted by the tjnited States, to their own pre- 
servation, became every day more apparent. Each state seemed 

By what means did Lord Cornwallis draw into action a part of Lafayette's 
force ? Mention the prudent conduct of the latter commander, in retrieviag 
the error ; and state the estimation in which he was held. 



212 MARSHALL'S 

fearful of doing too much, and of taking upon itself a larger por- 
tion of the common burden than was borne by its neighbor. 

The requisitions of Congress for men were made too late, and 
were never completely executed by the states. The regular force 
drawn, from Pennsylvania to Georgia inclusive, at no time, during 
this active and interesting campaign, amounted to three thousand 
effective men. That drawn from New Hampshire to New Jersey 
inclusive, exhibited, in the month of May, a total of not quite seven 
thousand, of whom rather more than four thousand might be re- 
hed on for action. 

The prospects for the campaign were rendered still more un- 
promising by the failure of supplies. The requisitions made on 
the states had been neglected to such a degree, as to excite fears 
that the soldiers must be disbanded from the want of food. 

The Quartermaster Department was destitute of funds, and un- 
able to transport provisions or other stores from place to place, but 
by m.eans of impressment, supported by a military force. This 
measure had been repeated, especially in New York, until it ex- 
cited so much irritation, that the commander-in-chief was seriously 
apprehensive of resistance to his authority. 

While in this state of deplorable imbecility, intelligence from 
every quarter announced increasing dangers. 

Information was received, that an expedition was preparing in 
Canada against Fort Pitt ; and it was understood that many, in 
the country threatened with invasion, were ready to join the Bri- 
tish standard. The Indians, too, had entered into formidable com- 
binations, endangering the western frontier in its whole extent. 

A correspondence of a criminal nature was discovered between 
some persons in Albany and in Canada. A letter intercepted by 
Generals Schuyler and Clinton, stated the disaffection of parti- 
cular settlements, the provision made in them for an invading 
army, and their readiness to join it. 

This intelligence derived increased interest from the ambiguous 
conduct of that country which now constitutes Vermont. Early 
in the war, its inhabitants had declared themselves independent, 
and had exercised the powers of self-government. The state of 
New York, however, still continued to assert her claim of sove- 
reignty, and the controversy had become so violent as to justify 
the most serious apprehensions. The declaration was openly made 
that, if not admitted into the Union as an independent state, they 
held" themselves at liberty to make a separate peace ; and some 
negotiations for carrying this threat into execution, had been com- 
menced. 

Mention the difficulty of procuring' men and supplies, under the confedera- 
tion which bound together the American states. Point out the danger which 
threatened the west, the treasonable correspondence in the north, and the dif- 
ficulty in Vermont. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 213 

Early in May, the Count de Barras, who had been appointed to 
the command of the Frencli fleet on the American coast, arrived 
in Boston, and brought the long-expected information respecting 
the naval armament designed to act in the American seas. Twentv 
ships of the line, to be commanded by the Count de Grasse, were 
destined for the West Indies, twelve of which were to proceed to 
the continent of America in the month of July. 

An intei'view between General \yashington and the Count de 
Rochambeau immediately took place, in which it was determined 
to unite the troops of France to those of America on the Hudson, 
and to proceed against New York. 

Tliough the prospect now opening roused the northern states 
from that apathy into which they appeared to be sinking, yet, in 
the month of June w^hen the army took the field at Peekskill, its 
effective numbers did not exceed five thousand men. 

To supply even this army with provisions required greater exer- 
tions than had been made. The hope of terminating the war pro- 
duced these exertions. The legislatures of the New England states 
took up the subject in earnest, and passed resolutions for raising 
the necessary supplies. But, till these resolutions could be exe- 
cuted, the embarrassments of the army continued ; and there was 
reason to apprehend, either that the great objects of the campaign 
must be relinquished for want of provisions, or that coercion must 
still be used. 

New England not furnishing flour^ this important article was to 
be drawn from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The 
two first states were much exhausted ; and the application to Penn- 
sylvania did not promise to be very successful. Respecting this 
article, therefore, serious fears existed. 

These were removed by the activity and exertions of an indivi- 
dual. The management of the finances had been committed to 
Mr. Robert Morris. This gentleman united considerable political 
talents to a degree of mercantile enterprise, information, and cre- 
dit, seldom equalled in any country. He had accepted this arduous 
appointment on the condition of being allowed time to make his 
arrangements. But the critical state of public affairs furnished 
irresistible motives for changing his original determination, and 
entering immediately on the duties of his office. The occasion 
required that he should bring his private credit in aid of the public 
resources, and pledge himself extensively, for articles of absolute 
necessity which could not be otherwise obtained. Condemning the 
system of violence and of legal fraud which had been too long 
practised, he sought the gradual restoration of confidence by a 

What information was now received respecting aid from France ? Men- 
tion the chief difficulty in the way of conjoint operations, and the name oi 
the individual who now undertook to manage the American finances. 



214 MARSHALL'S 

punctual and faithful compliance with his engagements. It is iu 
no inconsiderable degree to be attributed to him, that the very- 
active and decisive operations of the campaign were not impeded, 
perhaps defeated, by a failure of the means for transporting mili- 
tary stores, and feeding the army. 

On determining to assume the duties of his office, Mr. Morris 
laid before Congress the plan of a national bank, whose notes 
were to be receivable from the respective states as specie. Con- 
gress passed an ordinance for the incorporation of this valuable 
institution. 

Important as was this measure to future military operations, a 
contract with the state of Pennsylvania was of still more imme- 
diate utility. 

After furnishing flour to relieve the wants of the moment on his 
private credit, Mr. Morris proposed to assume a compliance with 
all the specific requisitions made on Pennsylvania, and to rely for 
reimbursement on the tax imposed by law, to be collected under 
his authority. This proposition being accepted, supplies which 
the government was unable to furnish, were raised by an individual. 

The American army was joined by the Count de Rochambeau 
at Dobbs' ferry, on the 6th of July ; and the utmost exertions were 
made for the grand enterprise against New York. But the exe- 
cution of this plan depended so much on events, that the attention 
of General Washinglon was also directed to other objects. 

rl2,r!v iH AugiiSt, Icitcrs 'rrOm the Marquis de Lafayette ail" 
iiounced that a large portion of the troops in Virginia were em- 
harked, and that their destination was believed to be New York. 
This intelligence induced him to think seriously of southern ope- 
rations. To conceal from Sir Henry Clinton this eventual change 
of plan, his arrangements were made secretly, and the prepara- 
tions for acting against New York were continued. A reinforce- 
ment from Europe of near three thousand men had induced Sir 
l^enry Clinton to countermand the orders he had given to Lord 
Cornwallis to detach a part of the army in Virginia to his aid ; 
and also to direct that nobleman to take a strong position on the 
Chesapeake, from which he might he enabled to execute the designs 
meditated against the states lying on that bay, so soon as the storm 
which threatened for the moment should blow over. In a few days 
after the arrival of this reinforcement, the Count de Barras gave 
the interesting information that De Grasse was to have sailed for 
the Chesapeake on the 3d of August, with from twenty-five to 
twenty-nine ships of the line, having on board three thousand two 
hundred soldiers ; and that he had made engagements to return to 
the West Indies by the middle of October. 

What judicious and efficient steps were taken by Mr. Morris ? Did Wash 
iugton resolve on soutliern operations ? What news came from France ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 215 

This intelligence decided General Washington in favor of ope- 
rations to the South ; and Lafayette was directed to make such a 
disposition of his army as should prevent Lord Cornwallis from 
saving himself by a sudden march to Charleston. 

The Count de Grasse arrived in the Chesapeake late in August, 
with twenty-eight ships of the line and several frigates. At Cape 
Henry, he found an officer despatched to meet him with the inform- 
ation that Lord Cornwallis was fortifying Yorktown and Gloster 
Point ; and that the Marquis had taken a position on James' river. 

In consequence of this information, detachments from the fleet, 
which lay at anchor within the capes, blocked up the mouth of 
York river, and conveyed the land forces brought from the West 
Indies under the Marquis de St. Simon, up the James' to join La- 
fayette, who, on receiving this reinforcement, took post at Wil- 
liamsburg. On the 25th of August, the Count de Barras sailed 
from Newport for the Chesapeake. 

Admiral Rodney, not suspecting that the whole fleet of De Grasse 
would come to the United States, supposed that a part of his squad- 
ron would be sufficient to maintain an equality in the American 
seas, and detached Sir Samuel Hood to the continent with only 
fourteen sail of the line. That officer arrived at Sandy Hook on 
the 28th of August. 

Admiral Greaves, who had succeeded Arbuthnot, lay in the 
harbor of New York with seven ships of the line, only |ive of 
which were fit for service. On the day that Hood appeared and 
gave information that De Grasse was probably on the coast, intel- 
ligence was also received that De Barras had sailed from New- 
port. The ships fit for sea were ordered out of the harbor ; and 
Greaves proceeded in quest of the French with nineteen sail of 
the line, hoping to fight their squadrons separately. 

Early in the morning of the 5th of September, the French ad- 
miral descried the British squadron, and immediately ordered his 
fleet, then at anchor just within the Chesapeake, to form the line 
and put to sea. About four in the afternoon the action commenced 
between the foremost ships, and continued until sunset. The hos- 
tile fleets continued within view of each other until the 10th, when 
De Grasse returned to his former station, where he found De Barras 
with the squadron from Newport, and fourteen transports laden 
with heavy artillery and military stores proper for carrying on a 
siege. The British admiral, on approaching the capes, perceived 
a force with which he was unable to contend, and bore away for 
New York. 

General Washington had determined to command the southern 

When it was determined to act against Cornwallis, what naval operations 
took from the British the command of the Chesapeake, and allowed the allies 
to transport thither their force ? 



210 MARSHALL'S 

expedition in person. All the French, and rather more than two 
thousand continental troops, were destined for this sei-vice. 

On the 16th of August, the Jersey line and Hazen's regiment 
were ordered to pass the Hudson, and take a position between 
Springfield and Chatham, in order to excite fears for Staten Island. 
The whole army was put in motion on the same day, and on 
the 25th the passage of the river was completed. The march of 
the army was continued until the 31st, in such a direction as to 
keep up fears for New York. The letters which had been inter- 
cepted by Sir Henry Clinton favored this deception ; and so strong 
was the impression they had made, that he did not suspect the real 
object of his adversary until it had become too late to obstruct the 
progress of the allied army towards Virginia. He then determined 
to make every exertion in his power to relieve Lord Cornwallis ; 
and, in the mean time, to act oflensively in the North. An expe- 
dition was planned against New London, in Connecticut, and a 
strong detachment, under the command of General Arnold, was 
landed on the 6th of September on both sides of the harbor, about 
three miles from the town. 

New London, a seaport town on the west side of the Thames, 
was defended by fort Trumbull and a redoubt, a small distance 
below it, and by fort Griswold, opposite to it, on Croton hill. Gen- 
oral Arnold advanced with the troops that landed on the west side 
of the harbor, against the posts on that side, which, being unten- 
able, were evacuated on his approach. Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, ' 
with the troops that landed on the Croton side of the harbor, was 
ordered to storm fort Griswold, which was defended by a garrison 
of one hundred and sixty men. On the refusal of Colonel Led- 
yard to surrender, the British assaulted it on three sides, made a 
lodgement on the ditch and fraized work, and entered the embra- 
sures with charged bayonets. Further resistance being hopeless, 
the action ceased on the part of the Americans, and Colonel Led- 
yard delivered his sword to the commanding officer of the assail- 
ants. Irritated by the loss sustained in the assault, the British 
officer on whom the command had devolved, tarnished the glory 
of victory by the inhuman use he made of it. Instead of respect- 
ing, with the generous spirit of a soldier, the gallantry he had sub- 
dued, he indulged the vindictive feelings which had been roused by 
the slaughter of his troops. The sword presented by Colonel 
Ledyard was plunged into his bosom ; and the carnage was con- 
tinued until the greater part of the garrison was killed or wounded. 

In this fierce assault. Colonel Eyre was killed ,* and Major Mont- 
gomery, the second in command, also fell. The total loss of the 

How was Sir Henry Clinton deceived as to the real design of Washington ? 
Mention the British attack on New London, and the disgraceful cruelty 
which characterized the assailants. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 217 

assailants was not much less than two hundred men. The town, 
and the stores contained in it, were consumed by fire. 

General Washington, having made arrangements for the trans- 
portation of his army down the Chesapeake, proceeded in person 
to Virginia. He reached Williamsburg on the 14th of September ; 
and, accompanied by Rochambeau, Chatelleux, Knox, and Dupor- 
tail, repaired immediately on board the admiral's ship, where a 
plan of co-operation was adjusted, conforming to his wish in every 
respect, except that the Count de Grasse declined complying with 
a proposition to station some ships above Yorktown, thinking it 
too hazardous. 

On the 25th of September, the last division of the allied troops 
arrived ; soon after which the preparations for the siege were com- 
pleted. 

York is a small village on the south side of the river which 
bears that name, where the long peninsula between the York and 
the James is only eight miles wide. On the opposite shore is 
Gloucester Point, a piece of land projecting deep into the river. 
Both these posts were occupied by Lord Cornwallis. The commu- 
nication between them was commanded by his batteries, and by 
some ships of war which lay under his guns. The main body of 
his army was encamped on the open grounds about Yorktown, 
within a range of outer redoubts and field-works. 

On the 28th, the combined army moved by different roads to- 
wards Yorktown. About noon the different columns reached their 
ground, and, after driving in the piquets and some cavalry, en- 
camped for the evening. The next day the right wing, consisting 
of Americans, iDccupied the ground east of Beaver Dam creek, 
while the left wing, consisting of French, was stationed on the west 
side of that stream. In the course of the night Lord Cornwallis 
withdrew from his outer lines, which were occupied by the be- 
sieging army ; and the town on that side was completely invested. 

Two thousand men were stationed on the Gloucester side for 
the purpose of keeping up a rigorous blockade. On their ap- 
proaching the lines, a sharp skirmish took place, which terminated 
unfavorably for the British ; after which they remained under 
cover of their works. 

On the night of the 6th of October, the first parallel was com 
menced within six hundred yards of the British lines. Before th 
return of daylight disclosed the operation to the garrison, the 
trenches were in such forwardness as to cover the men. Several 
batteries were opened ; and by the 10th, the fire became so heavy 
that the besieged withdrew their cannon from the embrasures, and 

State the dispositions of the French and Americans for the siege of York- 
town, and describe the position of Cornwallis. How were operations begun, 
and with what success ? 
19 



218 MARSHALL'S 

scarcely returned a shot. The shells and red-hot balls reached 
the ships in the harbor, and set fire to the Charon of forty-four 
guns, and to three large transports, which were entirely consumed. 
The second parallel was opened on the night of the 11th, within 
three hundred yards of the British lines. The three succeeding 
days were devoted to its completion, during which the fire of the 
garrison, from several new embrasures, became more destructive 
than at any previous time. The men in the trenches were parti- 
cularly annoyed by two redoubts, advanced three hundred yards 
in front of the British works, which flanked the second parallel of 
the besiegers. Preparations were made on the 14th to carry them 
by storm. The attack of the one was committed to a detachment 
of Americans, led by the Marquis de Lafayette, and that of the 
other to a detachment of French, commanded by the Baron de 
Viominel. Towards the close of the day, both detachments march- 
ed to the assault. Colonel Hamilton led the advanced corps of the 
Americans, and Colonel Laurens turned the redoubt at the head 
of eighty men. The troops rushed to the charge without firing a 
gun ; and, passing over the abatis and palisades, assaulted the 
works on all sides, and entered them with such rapidity that their 
loss was inconsiderable. Major Campbell, a captain, and seven- 
teen privates were made prisoners. Eight privates were killed 
while the assailants were entering the works. They were defended 
by forty-five privates, besides officers. 

The redoubt attacked by the French was defended by a greater 
number of men ; and the resistance, being greater, was not over- 
come with so little loss. One hundred and twenty men, com- 
manded by a lieutenant-colonel, were in this work, eighteen of 
whom were killed, and forty-two, including a captain and two sub- 
altern officers, were made prisoners. The assailants lost, in killed 
and wounded, near one hundred men. 

The commander-in-chief was highly gratified with the intre- 
pidity displayed in these assaults ; and, in the orders of the suc- 
ceeding day, expressed in strong terms, his approbation of the 
judicious dispositions and gallant conduct of both the Baron de 
Viominel and the Marquis de Lafayette, and the officers and sol- 
diers under their respective command. 

During the same night, these redoubts were included in the 
second parallel. 

The situation of Lord Cornwallis was becoming desperate. To 
suspend a catastrophe which appeared almost inevitable, he resolved 
on attempting to retard the completion of the second parallel by n 
vigorous sortie against two batteries which were in the greatest 

Describe the attack of the alHes upon the two British redoubts, and men- 
tion the loss of the parties. What were the prospects of the besieged, and 
upon what did Cornwallis resolve ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 219 

forwardness. A party led by Lieutenant-Colonel Abercrombie 
attacked them with great impetuosity about four in the morning of 
the 16 th, and carried both with inconsiderable loss ; but the guards 
from the trenches immediately advancing on the assailants, they 
retreated without effecting any thing of importance. 

About four in the afternoon, the besiegers opened several bat- 
teries in their second parallel ; and it was apparent that the works 
of the besieged were not in a condition to sustain so tremendous a 
fire as was to be expected on the succeeding day. In this extre- 
mity Lord Cornwallis formed the bold design of forcing his w^ay 
to New York. 

His plan was to leave his sick and baggage behind, and, cross 
ing over in the night to Gloucester shore, to attack De Choise 
After cutting to pieces or dispersing the troops under that officer, 
he intended to mount his infantry on horses, and by forced marches 
to gain the fords of the great rivers, and forcing his way through 
the states of Maryland, and Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, to 
form a junction with the army in New York. 

Boats were held in readiness to receive the troops at ten in the 
morning ; and the first embarkation was landed at the point, un- 
perceived, when a violent storm drove the boats down the river. 
It continued till near daylight, when the boats returned. But the 
enterprize was necessarily abandoned, and the troops brought 
back. 

In the morning of the 17th, several new batteries were opened 
in the second parallel which poured in a weight of fire not to be 
resisted. The place being no longer tenable. Lord Cornwallis 
beat a parley, and proposed a cessation of hostilities for twenty- 
four hours, that commissioners might meet to settle terms for the 
surrender of the posts of York and Gloucester. To this letter 
General Washington returned an immediate answer, declaring his 
"ardent desire to spare the further effusion of blood, and his rea- 
diness to listen to such terms as were admissible ;" but as in the 
present crisis, he could not consent to lose a moment in fruitless 
negotiations, he desired that, " the proposals of his lordship might 
be transmitted in writing, for which purpose a suspension of hosr 
tilities for two hours should be granted." The proposals being 
such as led to the opinion that no difficulty would occur in adjust- 
ing the terms, the suspension of hostilities was prolonged for the 
night. In the mean time, the commander-in-chief drew up such 
articles as he would be willing to grant, which were transmitted to 
Lord Cornwallis, accompanied by a declaration that, if he ap- 
proved them, commissioners might be immediately appointed to 
digest them into form. 

In his exigency at Yorktown, what bold plan of extrication was formed 
by Cornwallis ? Mention the circumstance which frustrated the design. 



220 ^ MARSHALL'S 

The Viscount de Noailles, and Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, were 
met next day By Colonel Dundass and Major Ross ; but being 
unable to adjust the terms of capitulation definitively, only a rough 
draft of them was prepared, to be submitted to the consideration of 
the British General. General Washington, determined not to per- 
mit any suspense on the part of Lord Cornwallis, immediately di- 
rected the rough articles to be fairly transcribed, and sent them to 
his lordship early the next morning with a letter, expressing his 
expectation that they would be signed by eleven, and that the gar- 
rison would march out by two in the afternoon. Finding all 
attempts to obtain better terms unavailing, Lord Cornwallis sub- 
mitted to a necessity no longer to be avoided, and, on the 19th of 
October, surrendered the posts of Yorktown and Gloucester Point 
with their garrisons, and the ships in the harbor with their seamen, 
to the land and naval forces of America and France. 
. The army, artillery, arms, military-chest, and stores of every 
description, were surrendered to General Washington ; the ships 
and seamen to the Count de Grasse. The total number of prison- 
ears, excluding seamen, rather exceeded seven thousand. The loss 
sustained by the garrison during the siege, amounted to five hun- 
dred and fifty-two, including six officers. 

The allied army, including militia, may be estimated at sixteen 
thousand men. In the course of the siege, they lost in killed and 
wounded about three hundred. 

The whole army merited great approbation ; but, from the nature 
of the service, the artillerists and engineers were enabled to dis- 
tinguish themselves particularly. Generals Du Portail and Knox 
were each promoted to the rank of Major-General ; and Colonel 
Govion and Captain Rochfontaine, of the corps of engineers, were 
each advanced a grade by brevet. In addition to the officers be 
longing to those departments. Generals Lincoln, De Lp,fayette, 
and Steuben, were particularly mentioned by the commander-in- 
chief in his orders issued the day after the capitulation ; and terms 
of peculiar warmth were applied to Governor Nelson, who con- 
tinued in the field during the whole siege, at the head of the militia 
of Virginia ; and also exerted himself greatly to furnish the army 
with those supplies that the country afforded. The highest ac- 
knowledgments were made to the Count de Rochambeau ; and 
several other French officers were named with distinction. 

The day on which the capitulation of the British army was 
signed at Yorktown, Sir Henry Clinton sailed from the Hook at 
the head of seven thousand of his best troops, convoyed by a fleet 
of twenty-five ships of the line, and appeared off the capes of Vir- 

Did Cornwallis at length surrender ? Mention the terms of capitulation. 
State the numbers of each army, and their loss during- tlie siege. What otH- 
cers distinguished tliemselves ? What reinforccmeiit arrived too late ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 22 

ginia on the 24th of October. On receiving unquestionable intel 
ligence that Lord Cornwallis had surrendered, he returned to New 
York. 

The exultation manifested throughout the United States at the 
capture of this formidable army was equal to the terror it iiad in- 
spired. Congress expressed their sense of the great event in various 
resolutions, returning thanks to the commander-in-chief, to the 
Count de Rochambeau, to the Count de Grasse, to the officers of 
the allied army generally, and to the corps of artillery and engi- 
neers particularly. In addition to these testimonials of gratitude, 
they resolved that a marble column should be erected at Yorktown, 
with emblems of the alliance between the United States and his 
Most Christian Majesty, and inscribed with a succinct narrative of 
the surrender of Earl Cornwallis to his Excellency General Wash- 
ington, the commander-in-chief of the combined forces of America 
and France ; to his Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, com- 
manding the auxiliary troops of his Most Christian Majesty in 
America ; and to his Excellency Count de Grasse, commanding- 
in-chief the naval armament of France in the Chesapeake. Two 
stand of colors taken in Yorktown were presented to General 
Washington ; two pieces of field ordnance, to the Count de Ro- 
chambeau ; and application was made to his Most Christian Ma- 
jesty to permit the Admiral to accept a testimonial of their appro- 
bation similar to that presented to the Count de Rochambeau. A 
proclamation was issued appointing the 13th day of December for 
general thanksgiving and prayer, on account of this signal interpo- 
sition of divine providence. 

The superiority of the allied force opened a prospect of still 
further advantages. The remaining posts of the British in the 
southern states were too weak to be defended against the army 
which had triumphed over Lord Cornwallis, and must inevitably 
be surrendered should the fleet co-operate against them. Although 
the Admiral had explicitly declared his inability to engage in any 
enterprise subsequent to that against Yorktown, the siege of that 
place had employed so much less time than he had consented to 
appropriate to it, that the General cherished the hope of prevailing 
on him to join in an expedition which must terminate the war. 
Every argument which might operate on his love of fame, or his 
desire to promote the interests of the allies, was urged in support 
of the application, but urged in vain. The Count acknowledged 
his conviction of the advantages to be expected from the enterprise, 
but said that " the orders of his court, ulterior projects, and his 
engagements with the Spaniards, rendered it impossible for him to 

111 what way did Congress testify their approbation of the result at York- 
town ? What favorable prospect was now opened to the allied arms, and 
what officer withheld his co-operation ? 
19^ 



223 MARSHALL'S 

remain on the coast during the time which would be required for 
the operation." As he also declined taking on board the troops 
designed to reinforce General Greene, preparations were made for 
their march by land ; and Major- General St. Clair, who com- 
manded the detachment, was ordered to take Wilmington in his 
route, and to gain possession of that post. 

The Count de Grasse, having consented to remain in the bay 
a few days, for the purpose of covering the transportation of the 
eastern troops to the head of Elk, they were embarked early in 
November, under the command of General Lincoln, who was 
directed to canton them for the winter in New Jersey and New 
York. The French troops remained in Virginia ; the Count de 
Grasse sailed for the West Indies ; and the commander-in-chief 
proceeded to Philadelphia. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Greene invests Camden.— Battle of Hobkirk's hill.— Progress of Marion and Lee.— Lord 
Rawdon retires into the lower country. — Greene invests Ninety-Six. — Is repulsed. — 
Retires from that place. — Activity of the armies. — Movements suspended by the 
heat. — They resume active operations. — Battle of Eutavv. — The British army retires 
towards Charleston. 

., „Q, In South Carolina and Georgia, the campaign of 1781 
' was uncommonly active. 

When Lord Cornwallis entered North Carolina, the command 
ot the more southern states was committed to Lord Rawdon. For 
the preservation of his power, a line of posts, slightly fortified, had 
been continued from Charleston, by the way of Camden and 
Ninety-Six, to Augusta, in Georgia. The spirit of resistance was 
still kept alive in the north-western and north-eastern parts of the 
state, by Generals Sumpter and Marion ; but neither of them was 
formidable. 

Such was the situation of the country, when General Greene 
formed the bold resolution of endeavoring to reannex it to the 
American Union. His army consisted of about eighteen hundred 
men. The prospect of procuring subsistence was unpromising, 
and the chance of reinforcements precarious. 

The day preceding his march southward, he detached Lee to 
join General Marion, and communicated his intention of entering 
South Carolina to General Pickens, with a request that he would 
assemble the western militia, and lay siege to Ninety-Six and 
Augusta. J 



Where were the French and American forces stationed, after the surrender 
at Yorktown ? What was tlie state of affairs in the South ? Mention the 
bold determination of General Greene. 



I 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 223 

Having made these arrangements, he moved from Deep river 
on the 7th of April, and encamped before Camden on the 19th of 
the same month, within half a mile of the British works. Lord 
Rawdon had received early notice of his approach, and was pre- 
pared to receive him. Being unable to storm the works, or to 
invest them on all sides, he contented himself with lying before 
the places, in the hope of being reinforced by militia, or of some 
event which might bring on an action in the open field. With 
this view, he retired about a mile and a half from the town, ana 
encamped on Hobkirk's hill. 

While in this situation, he received information that Colonel 
Watson was marching up the Santee, with four hundred men. 
To intercept him while at a distance from Camden, Greene crossed 
Sandhill creek, and encamped on the road leading to Charleston. 
It being impossible to transport artillery and baggage over the 
deep marshes adjoining the creek. Colonel Carrington, with the 
North Carolina militia, was directed to convey them to a place of 
safety, and to guard them till further orders. 

In a few days, Greene found himself compelled, by the want 
of provisions, to relinquish his position ; and on the 24th, returned 
to the north side of the town, and again encamped on Hobkirk's 
hill. Colonel Carrington was ordered to rejoin him. Before the 
arrival of that officer, a deserter informed Lord Rawdon that 
the artillery and militia had been detached. His Lordship deter- 
mined to seize this favorable occasion ; and marched out of town, 
on the morning of the 25th, at the head of nine hundred men, to 
attack the American army. 

By keeping close to the swamp, and making a circuit of some 
distance. Lord Rawdon gained the American left, without being 
perceived. About eleven, his approach was announced by the 
fire of the advanced piquets, half a mile in front of Greene's en- 
campment; and the American line of battle was immediately 
formed. 

The parties advanced in front were driven in, afi;er a gallant 
resistance ; and Rawdon continued his march through the wood, 
until he reached the road, when he displayed his columns. 

Perceiving that the British advanced with a narrow front, 
Greene ordered Colonel Ford, from his extreme left, and Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Campbell, from his extreme right, severally to at- 
tack their flanks, while the regiments of Granby and Hawes should 
charge them in front with the bayonet. To complete their destruc- 
tion, Lieutenant-Colonel Washington was directed to pass their left 
flank, and charge their rear. 

Before what town did General Greene encamp ? What British officer de» 
fended it ? What circumstance induced Lord Rawdon to sally forth and at- 
tack the Americans ? Relate the movements which ensued. 



224 MARSHALL'S 

The regiments commanded by Ford and Campbell, being com- 
posed chiefly of new levies, did not perform the duties assigned to 
them with the requisite rapidity and precision ; in consequence of 
which, Rawdon had time to extend his front, by bringing the vol- 
unteers of Ireland into his line. 

-* This judicious movement disconcerted the design on his flanks ; 
and the regiments of Ford and Campbell were thrown into some 
confusion by the abortive attempt.. 

Colonel Washington, too, was compelled, by the obstructions 
in his direct course, to make so extensive a circuit, that he came 
into the rear of the British at a greater distance from the scene 
of action than was intended ; in consequence of which, he fell in 
with their staff", and with the followers of the army who took no 
part in the engagement. Too humane to cut his way through 
this crowd, he employed so much time in taking their paroles, 
that he did not reach the rear of the British line, until the battle 
was ended. 

The artillery, however, which had arrived in the morning, with 
Colonel Carrington, played on the enemy with considerable effect, 
and the regiments of Gun by and liawes advanced on the British 
front with resolution. This fair prospect of victory was blasted 
by one of those incidents against which military prudence can 
make no provision. 

Captain Beaty, who commanded on the right of Gunby's regi- 
ment, was killed ; upon which, his company, with that adjoining 
it, got into confusion, and dropped out of the lines. Gunby or- 
dered the other companies to fall back, and form with the two 
companies behind the hill the British were ascending. The retro- 
grade movement was mistaken for a retreat, and the regiment 
gave way. The British pressed forward with increased ardor, 
and all the efforts of the officers to rally the Americans, were in- 
effectual. This veteran regiment, equally distinguished for its 
discipline and courage, was seized with an unaccountable panic, 
which, for a time, resisted all the efforts of their officers. 

The flight of the first Maryland regiment increased the confu- 
sion which the change of ground had produced in the second ; 
and, in attempting to restore order, Colonel Ford was mortally 
wounded. Lord Rawdon improved these advantages to the ut- 
most. His right gained the summit of the hill, forced the artillery 
to retire, and turned the flank of the second Virginia regiment, 
commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Haines, which had advanced 
some distance down the hill. By this time, the first Virginia 
regiment, which Greene had endeavored to lead on in person 

Mention the unsuccessful attempt against the British flank, and the cause 
which detained Colonel Washing-ton from the field of battle. What circum- 
stance of panic and mistake frustrated the hopes of General Greene? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 225 

against the left flank of the British, being also in some disorder, 
began to give ground. Greene, knowing that he could not de- 
pend on his second line, which was composed of militia, thought 
it most advisable to withdraw the second Virginia regiment. 

The Maryland brigade was in part rallied ; but Lord Rawdon 
had gained the hill ; and it was thought too late to retrieve the 
fortune of the day. Greene determined to reserve his troops for 
a more auspicious moment, and directed a retreat. 

Finding that the action was over, Colonel Washington also r^ 
treated, with the loss of only three men, bringing with him about 
fifty prisoners, among whom were all the surgeons of the army. 

The Americans retired in good order, about four miles from 
the field of battle, and proceeded next day to Rugely's mills. The 
pursuit was continued about three miles. In the course of it, 
some sharp skirmishing took place ,* which was terminated by a 
vigorous charge made by Washington, which broke a corps of 
horse that led their van ; on which, the infantry in its rear retreat- 
ed into Camden. 

The loss of the Americans, in killed, wounded, and missing, 
was two hundred and sixty-eight ; that of the British was stated 
at two hundred and fifly-eight, of whom thirty-eight were killed 
in the field. 

General Greene remained in the vicinity of Camden ; and, by 
the activity of his cavalry, straitened its communications with 
the country. The distress of the garrison for provisions had been 
considerably increased by the progress of Marion and Lee. 

As soon as Lee could join Marion, they commenced their ope- 
rations against the line of communication from Camden to Charles- 
ton, by capturing fort Watson. This acquisition enabled them to 
interrupt the intercourse between those places, and to obstruct the 
retreat of Lord Rawdon, should that measure become necessary. 
But his lordship was relieved from the difficulties of his situation 
on the 7th of May, by the arrival of Colonel Watson. That officer 
had eluded the vigilance of Marion and Lee, who, for the purpose 
of intercepting him, had taken possession of the fording places on 
the creeks it was necessary to pass, by returning down the Santee, 
crossing it near its mouth, and marching up its southern side until 
he had passed his watchful enemy. This reinforcement having 
given the British general a decided superiority, Greene, on the day 
of its arrival, withdrew from the neighborhood of Camden, and 
took a strong position behind Sawney's creek. On the following 
night Lord Rawdon marched out of Camden for the purpose of 
attacking the Americans in their camp ; but he found them so ju- 

Did General Greene retire from the field of battle ? What was the loss 
on each side ? Mention the two partisan officers who harassed the British. 
What reinforcement was received by Lord Rawdon ? 



226 MARSHALL'S 

diciously posted, that he despaired of being able to force it, and 
returned to Camden. 

His lordship had been induced to relinquish his designs upon 
Greene by a conviction that a temporary surrender of the upper 
country had become necessary. Marion and Lee had crossed the 
Santee, and permitted no convoy from Charleston to escape them. 
On the 8th they laid siege to Mott's house, which had been made 
the depot of all the supplies designed for Camden. The safety of 
the lower posts required that he should take a position which would 
enable him to support them. He had, therefore, determined to 
evacuate Camden, unless a battle with Greene should remove all 
fears of future danger. After failing in his hope of bringing on 
an engagement, he carried this determination into execution, and 
marched down the river to Neilson's ferry, where he received the 
unwelcome intelligence that Mott's house had surrendered on the 
12th, and that its garrison, consisting of one hundred and sixty- 
five men, had become prisoners. The post at Orangeburg had 
surrendered to Sumpter on the preceding day. 

On the evening of the 14th, Lord Raw don marched to Monk's 
Corner, a position which enabled him to cover those districts from 
which Charleston drew its supplies. 

Meanwhile the American force was exerted with increased 
activity. Marion reduced Georgetown on the Black river; and 
Lee laid siege on the 14th to fort Granby, a post garrisoned by 
three hundred and fifty-two men, chiefly militia, who surrendered 
the next morning. He was then ordered to march against Augusta, 
while Greene invested Ninety-Six. 

This post was fortified. The principal work, called the Star, 
was on the right of the village, and was surrounded by a dry 
ditch, fraize, and abatis. On the left was a block-house and a 
stockade fort. The garrison, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Cruger, was ample for the extent of the place. 

On the 22d of May, the American army, consisting of about 
one thousand continental troops, encamped within cannon-shot of 
the place, and, on the following night, broke ground within seventy 
yards of the British works ; but the besieged made a vigorous sally 
under the protection of their guns ; drove the advanced party from 
their trenches, put several of them to the bayonet, and retired into 
the (brt before Greene could support them. After this check, the 
siege was conducted with more caution, but with indefatigable in- 
dustry. 

On the 8th of June, Lee rejoined the army. The day after the 
fall of fort Granby, that active officer proceeded to join General 

Mention the three British posts which successively surrendered to the 
Americans. What were the defences of Ninety-Six ? Who invested it, an(? 
what repulse was received by the besiegers ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 227 

f'rckens, and lay siege to Augusta. On the 21st of May, he took 
possession effort Golphin, immediatdy after which the operationsf 
against Augusta were commenced. The place was surrendered 
on the 5th of June ; and the prisoners, amounting to three hun 
dred, were conducted by Lee to the main army. 

While the siege of Ninety-Six was pressed in the confidence 
that the place must soon surrender. Lord Rawdon received a rein- 
forcement of three regiments from Ireland, which enabled hira 
once more to overrun South Carolina. On the 11th, Greene re- 
ceived intelligence that his lordship was approaching at the head 
of two thousand men. Sumpter, to whose aid the cavalry was 
immediately detached, was ordered to continue in his front, and to 
impede his march to the utmost. But his lordship passed Sumpter 
below the junction of the Saluda and Broad rivers. 

Greene, finding it impossible to draw together such aids of 
militia as might enable him to meet Lord Rawdon and fight him 
at a distance from Ninety-Six, hoped to press the siege so vigor- 
ously as to compel a surrender before his lordship could arrive. 
The garrison was reduced to extremities, when the approach of 
the* British army was communicated to Cruger by a loyahst who 
passed through the American lines. The hope of obtaining a sur- 
render by capitulation being thus extinguished, Greene determined 
to attempt carrying the place by storm. As preparatory to an 
assault on the Star, it was deemed indispensable to make a lodge- 
ment on one of the curtains of the redoubt, and at the same tinne 
to carry the fort on the left. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, at the head of the legion infantry and 
Kirkwood's company, was ordered to assault the works on the left 
of the town ; while Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell was to lead the 
first regiment of Maryland and the first of Virginia against the 
Star redoubt. The lines were manned, and the artillery opened 
on the besieged. 

About noon on the 18th, the detachments marched to the assault. 
Lee took possession of the works on the left ; but the resistance on 
the right was greater, and Campbell was less fortunate. Lieuten- 
ants Duval of Maryland, and Selden of Virginia, led the forlorn 
hope with great intrepidity. They entered the ditch ; but the 
height of the parapet opposed obstructions not to be surmounted. 
After a severe conflict of more than half an hour, during which 
Lieutenants Duval and Selden were both badly wounded, and 
nearly all the forlorn hope were killed or wounded, the assault was 
relinquished, and the few who remained were recalled from tlie 
ditch. The next day Greene raised the siege, and, crossing tlie 

When was Augusta reduced ? What reinrorcenicnt enabled Lord Rawdon 
to advance to the relief of Ninety -Six ? Did this induce General Greene to 
assault the place by storm ? What was the result ? 



228 MARSHALL'S 

Saluda, encamped on Little river. The loss of the besieging army, 
m killed and wounded, amcTUnted to one hundred and fifty-five 
men. That of the garrison has been stated at eighty-five. 

On the morning of the 21st, Lord Rawdon arrived at Ninety- 
Six ; and, on the evening of the same day, marched in quest of 
the American army. He pursued Greene, who retreated towards 
Viro-inia, as far as the Ennoree ; whence he returned to Ninety- 
Six.° _ * 

Still retaining the opinion that circumstances required him to 
contract his posts, he left the principal part of his army under the 
command of Lieutenant-Cotenel Cruger, to protect the loyalists 
while removing within those limits which were to be maintained, 
and with less than one thousand men, marched in person, on the 
29th of June, towards the Congaree. 

Early in July, Greene marched with the utmost expedition for 
Friday's ferry, at which place Lord Rawdon had arrived two days 
before him. As Greene drew near his enemy, a detachment of 
the legion under Captain Eggleston, announced his approach by 
attacking a foraging party within a mile of the British camp, and 
bringing off a troop consisting of forty-five men. Rawdon retreated 
the next day to Orangeburg, where he formed a junction with a 
detachment from Charleston, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Stuart. 

On the Congaree, Greene was reinforced by Sumpter and Ma- 
rion, with a thousand men ; and, on the 11th of July, marched to 
Orangeburg with the intention of attacking the British army ; but 
found it so strongly posted as to be unassailable. 

At this place, intelligence was received of the evacuation of 
Ninety-Six, and that Cruger was marching down to Orangeburg. 
The north branch of the Edisto, which was passable only at the 
place occupied by Rawdon, interposed an insuperable obstacle to 
any attempt on this party ; and Greene thought it most advisable 
to force the British out of the upper country by threatening their 
lower posts. On the 13th, Sumpter, Marion, and Lee were de- 
tached on this service, and, on the same day, the residue of the 
army moved towards the high hills of Santee. 

The detachments ordered against the north-eastern posts held 
by the British, were not so completely successful as their num- 
bers, courage, and enterprise deserved. Some sharp skirmishes 
were fought ; several prisoners were made ; a considerable quan- 
tity of ammunition was taken; and baggage and military stores, 
to a large amount, were destroyed. But Sumpter, though brave 
to excess, did not display the combining talents of Greene. Afi;er 

Was the British commander compelled, notwithstanding- his late accession 
of force, to reduce his posts ? Mention the various movements of General 
Greene, and those of Sumpter, Marion, and Lee. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 229 

being disappointed in the hope of getting possession of Monk's 
Corner, some discontents prevailed among the several corps. Ma- 
rion returned to his swamps, Sumpter recrossed the Santee, and 
Lee rejoined the army, July 18th. 

The intense heat demanded some relaxation from unremitting 
toil. From the month of January, the southern army had been 
engaged in one course of incessant fatigue and hardy enterprise. 
All were entitled to great praise ; but the successful activity of 
one corps will attract particular attention. The legion, from 
its structure, was peculiarly adapted to the partisan war of the 
southern states ; and, being detached against the weaker posts of 
the enemy, had opportunities for displaying all the energies it 
possessed. In that extensive sweep which it made from the 
Santee to Augusta, which employed from the 15th of April to the 
6th of June, this corps, acting in conjunction, first with Marion, 
afterwards with Pickens, and sometimes alone, had constituted an 
essential part of the force which carried five British posts, and 
made upwards of eleven hundred prisoners. 

The whole army had exhibited a degree of activity, courage, 
and patient suffering, surpassing any expectation which could 
have been formed of troops composed chiefly of new levies ; and 
its general had manifested great firmness, enterprise, prudence, 
and skill. 

The suffering sustained in this ardent struggle for the southern 
states, was not confined to the armies. The inhabitants of the 
country felt all the miseries which are inflicted by war in its 
most savage form. Being almost equally divided between the 
contending parties, reciprocal injuries had sharpened their mutual 
resentments, and had armed neighbor against neighbor, until it 
became a war of extermination. As the parties alternately tri- 
umphed, opportunities were alternately given for the exercise of 
their vindictive passions. 

Greene was too humane, as well as too judicious, not to dis- 
courage this exterminating spirit. Perceiving, in its progress, 
the total destruction of the country, he sought to appease it, by 
restraining the excesses of those who were attached to the Ameri- 
can cause. 

At the high hills of Santee, the reinforcements expected from 
North Carolina were received ; which augmented the army to two 
thousand six hundred men : but its effective force did not exceed 
sixteen hundred. 

Lord Rawdon, having been induced by ill health, to avail him- 
self of a permit to return to Europe, the command of the British 

Why did the American forces require relaxation ? Mention their military 
liierits and capacities. What was the nature of the warfare which afflicted 
the Southern states ? What reinforcements joined the American army ? 
20 



230 MARSHALL'S 

forces in South Carolina devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart. 
He again advanced to the Congaree, and manifested a disposi- 
tion to establish himself, at the junction of that river, with the 
Wateree. 

Early in September, Greene broke up his camp at the high 
hills of Santee, and, crossing the Wateree near Camden, marched 
towards his enemy. On being informed of his approach, the 
British army retired to Eutaw, where it received a reinforcement 
from Charleston. Greene followed by easy marches. In the 
afternoon of the 7th, he was joined by Marion ; and determined 
to attack the British camp next day. 

At four, in the morning of the 8th, the army moved from its 
ground, which was seven miles from Eutaw, having the legion of 
Lee and the troops of South Carolina in advance. About four 
miles from the British camp, the van fell in with and attacked a 
body of horse and foot, who were escorting a foraging party. 
The British were instantly routed. Several were killed, and 
about forty, including their captain, were made prisoners. Sup- 
posing this party to be the van of the English, Greene formed his 
order of battle. 

The militia, commanded by Marion and Pickens, composed his 
first line. The second consisted of the continental infantry. The 
North Carolina brigade, commanded by General Sumner, was 
placed on the right ; the Virginians, commanded by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Campbell, formed the centre ; and the Marylanders, com- 
manded by Colonel Williams, the left. The legion of Lee was to 
cover the right flank, the state troops of South Carolina, command- 
ed by Colonel Henderson, the left ; and the cavalry of Washing- 
ton, with the infantry of Kirkwood, formed the reserve. Captain- 
Lieutenant Gaines, with two three-pounders, was attached to the 
first line, and Captain Brown, with two sixes, to the centre. 

The British line, which was also immediately formed, was 
drawn up across the road, in a wood on the heights, having its 
right flank on Eutaw creek. It was also covered by a battalion com- 
manded by Major Majoribanks, which was posted in a thicket. 
The left was protected by the cavalry, commanded by Major Coffin, 
and by a body of infantry, held in reserve. A corps of infantry 
was pushed forward about a mile. 

As the American van encountered this advanced party, the first 
line was ordered up, and the legion, and the state troops of South 
Carolina, formed on its flanks. The advanced party was soon 
driven in ; and the Americans, still pressing forward, were en- 
gaged with the main body. The militia, having many of them 

Did Greene advance towards his enemy ? Was the latter reinforced ? 
Where did the two armies come into contact ? Mention General Greene's 
disposition of his force for tlie battle. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 231 

frequently faced an enemy, and being commanded by generals of 
experience and courage, exhibited a degree of firmness not com- 
mon to that species of force, and maintained their ground with 
obstinacy. When they gave way, Lee and Henderson still main- 
tained the engagement on the flanks. General Sumner was 
ordered up to fill the place from which Marion and Pickens were 
receding ; and his brigade came into action with great intrepidity. 
Stuart ordered the corps of infantry posted in the rear of his left 
wing into the line, and directed Major Coffin, with his cavalry, to 
guard that flank. About this time. Colonel Henderson received a 
dangerous wound, and the command of his regiment devolved on 
Colonel Hampton. 

x4.fler sustaining the fire of the enemy for some time, Sumner's 
brigade began to give way, and the British rushed forward in some 
disorder. Greene then directed Williams and Campbell to charge 
with the bayonet, and ordered Washington to act on his left. 
Williams charged without firing a musket. The soldiers of Camp- 
bell's regiment, being chiefly new levies, returned the fire of the 
enemy, as they advanced. In this critical moment, Lee, per- 
ceiving that the American right extended beyond the British lefl, 
ordered Captain Rudolph, of the 'legion infantry, to turn their 
flank, and give them a raking fire. This order being executed 
with precision and effect, the British broke successively on their 
left, till the example was followed by all that part of their line. 
The Mary landers had already used the bayonet ; and many had 
fallen on both sides, transfixed by that weapon. 

The British left retreated towards Eutaw creek, near which 
stood a brick house, surrounded with offices, into which Major 
Sheridan threw himself with the New York volunteers. The Ameri- 
cans pursued them closely, and took three hundred prisoners and 
two field-pieces. The legion infantry pressed their rear so eagerly, 
as to make a serious struggle to enter the house with them. The 
door was shut in their faces, and several British were excluded, 
who were made prisoners ; and, being mixed with the Americans, 
saved them from the fire of the house, while retiring from it. 

As the British left gave way, Washington was directed to charge 
their right. He advanced with his accustomed impetuosity ; but 
found it impossible, with cavalry, to penetrate the thicket occu- 
pied by Majoribanks.' In attempting to force it. Lieutenant Stew- 
art, who commanded the leading section, was wounded, his horse 
killed under him, and every man in his section killed or wounded. 
Captain Watts fell, -pierced with two balls. Colonel Washington 
was wounded, and his horse was killed. They fell together ; and 
before he could extricate himself, he was made a prisoner. 

Relate the circumstances of the battle of Eutaw, and state particularly tho 
manner in which the British left was broken. 



232 MARSHALL'S 

After a large portion of the regiment was killed or wounded, 
the residue was drawn off by Captain Parsons, assisted by Lieu- 
tenant Gordon. Lieutenant-Colonel Llampton and Captain Kirk- 
wood soon afterwards came up and renewed the attack on Majori- 
banks ; but finding it impossible to dislodge him, they relinquished 
the attempt. 

Greene ordered up the artillery to batter the house in which 
Sheridan had taken refuge. The guns were too light to make a 
breach in the walls ; and, having been brought within the range 
of the fire from the house, almost every artillerist was killed, and 
the pieces were abandoned. 

The firm stand made by Majoribanks, and the disorder among 
a part of the American right, gave Stuart an opportunity to rally 
his broken regiments, and bring them again into action. Perceiv- 
ing that the contest was maintained under circumstances extremely 
disadvantageous to the Americans, Greene withdrew them a small 
distance, and formed them again in the wood in which the battle 
had been fought. After collecting his wounded, he retired with his 
prisoners to the ground from which he had marched in the morn- 
ing, determined again to attack the British army when it should 
retreat from Eutaw. 

Every corps engaged in this hard -fought battle received the 
applause of the General. Almost every officer whose situation 
CTjabled him to attract notice was named with distinction. 

The loss on both sides bore a great proportion to their respec- 
tive numbers. That of the Americans was five hundred and fifty- 
five, including sixty officers. One hundred and thirty were killed 
on the spot. Seventeen commissioned officers, including Lieutenant- 
Colonel Campbell, were killed, and four mortally wounded. 

The loss of the British was stated by themselves at six hundred 
and ninety-three men, of whom only eighty-five were killed in the 
field. This disparity in the killed is to be ascribed to the carnage 
of the Americans during their unavailing efforts to dislodge the 
enemy from the house, and strong adjoining grounds. 

Each party had pretensions to the victory. If the consequences 
be taken into the account, it belonged to Greene. Tlie result was, 
the expulsion of the hostile army from the territory which was the 
immediate object of contest. 

The thanks of Congress were voted to every corps in the army ; 
and a resolution was passed for " presenting to Major-General 
Greene, as an honorable testimony of his merit, a British standard 
and golden medal emblematic of the battle and of his victory." 

Mention the attack upon the British right, and its result. What enabled 
the enemy to rally his broken troops ? Mention the loss on each side. Was , 
tlie battle of Eutaw decisive, or might either party claim the victory ? What ^ 
was its consequence ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 233 

On the succeeding day, Colonel Stuart marched from Eutaw to 
meet Major M' Arthur, who was conducting a body of troops from 
Charleston. This movement saved M' Arthur from Marion and 
Lee, who had been detached in the morning to intercept any rein- 
forcement from below. Stuart was followed to Monk's Corner by 
Greene, who, on reconnoitring the numbers and position -of his 
enemy, returned to the high hills of Santee. 

The ravages of disease were added to the loss sustained in bat 
tie, and the army remained for some time in too feeble a condition 
for active enterprise. 

As the cool season approached, disease abated in the American 
camp, and Greene marched towards the Four Holes, a branch of 
the Edisto. Leaving the army to be conducted by Colonel Wil- 
liams, he proceeded in person with a detachment of cavalry and 
infantry against the British post at Dorchester. Though his march 
was conducted with the utmost secrecy, intelligence of his approach 
was given, and the garrison, after burning the stores, retired with 
inconsiderable loss to the Quarter House, where their main body 
was encamped. Greene returned to the army at the Round O, where 
he purposed to wait the arrival of the reinforcement marching 
from the North under General St. Clair. 

On the 4th of January, that officer arrived ; and, five days after- 
wards. General Wayne with his brigade, and the remnant of the 
third regiment of dragoons commanded by Colonel White, was 
detached over the Savannah for the recovery of Georgia. 

General Greene crossed the Edisto, and encamped on the 
Charleston road six miles from Jacksonborough, for the purpose 
of covering the legislature who were convened at that place. Thus 
was civil government re-established in South Carolina, and that 
state restored to the Union. 

It is impossible to review this active and interesting campaign 
without feeling that much is due to General Greene. He found 
the country completely conquered, and defended by a regular 
army estimated at four thousand men. The inhabitants were so 
divided as to leave it doubtful to which side the majority was at- 
tached. At no time did his effective continental force amount to 
two thousand men ; and of these a considerable part were raw 
troops. Yet he could keep the field without being forced into 
action, and, by a course of judicious movement and hardy enter- 
prise, he recovered the Southern states. It is a singular fact, well 
worthy of notice, that, although well-merited victory was uni- 
formly snatched by fortune from his grasp, he obtained to a con- 
siderable extent, even when defeated, the object for which he fought. 

What movements succeeded the battle of Eutaw ? To what must be attri- 
buted the inactivity for some time after ? What reinforcements arrived, and 
what position was taken ? What is to be said respecting Greene's army ? 



234 MARSHALL'S 

A large portion of this praise is unquestionably due to the troops 
he commanded. These real patriots bore every hardship and pri- 
vation, with a degree of patience and constancy which cannot be 
sufficiently admired, and never was a General better supported by 
his inferior officers. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Preparations for another campaign.— Proceedings in the Parliament of Great Bri- 
tain.— Conciliatory conduct of General Carlton.— Transactions in the South.— Negotia- 
tions for peace.— Preliminary and eventual articles of peace between the United States 
and Great Britain.— Discontents of the American army.— Peace.— Mutiny of a part of 
the Pennsylvania line. — Evacuation of New York. — General Washington resigns his 
commission and retires to Mount Vernon. 

1 7fl'2 ^^^^ splendid success of the allied arms in Virginia, and 
* the great advantages obtained still further south, produced 
no disposition in General Washington to relax those exertions 
which might yet be necessary to secure the great object of the 
contest. He was detained in Philadelphia by the request of Con- 
gress, in order to aid the consultations of a committee appointed 
to report the requisitions to be made on the states for the establish- 
ment of the army. The secretaries of war, of finance, and of 
foreign affairs, also assisted at these deliberations ; and the busi- 
ness was concluded with unusual celerity. 

As a superiority at sea was indispensable to the success of offen- 
sive operations, the commander-in-chief pressed its importance on 
the minister of France, and commanding officers of the French 
troops, as well as on the Marquis de Lafayette who was about to 
return to his native country. 

The first intelligence from Europe was not calculated to dimin- 
ish the anxieties still felt in America by the enlightened friends of 
the revolution. The Parliament of Great Britain had reassembled 
.n November. The speech from the throne breathed a settled pur- 
pose to continue the war ; and the addresses of both houses, which 
were carried by large majorities, echoed the sentiment. The de- 
bates indicated a determination to maintain the posts then held in 
the United States, and to press the war vigorously against France 
and Spain. This development of the views of administration fur- 
nished additional motives to the American government for exerting 
all the faculties of the nation to expel the British garrisons from 
those posts ; and the efforts of the commander-in-chief to produce 
those exertions were unremitting, but not successful. The state 
legislatures declared the inability of their constituents to pay taxes. 

Was Washington anxious to make efficient preparations for the next cam- 
paign ? What seemed the determination of the British Parliament with re- 
spect to the continuance of hostilities ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 235 

Instead of filling the continental treasury, some were devising 
means to draw money from it ; and some of those who passed 
bills imposing heavy taxes, directed that the demands of the state 
should be first satisfied, and that the residue only should be paid 
to the continental receiver. At the commencement of the year, 
not a dollar remained in the treasury ; and, although Congress 
had required the payment of two millions on the first of April, not 
more than twenty thousand dollars had reached the treasury. In 
July, when the second quarter annual payment of taxes ought to 
have been received, the minister of finance was informed by some 
of his agents that the collection of the revenue had been post- 
poned by some of the states, so that the month of December would 
arrive before any money could come into their hands. 

Fortunately for the United States, the temper of the British 
nation on the continuance of the war, did not accord with that of 
its sovereign. It had now become almost universally unpopular. 
Motions against the measures of administration respecting America 
were repeated by the opposition ; and on every experiment the 
strength of the minority increased. At length, on the 27th of 
February, a resolution disapproving the further prosecution of 
offensive war against America was carried, and an address to the 
crown in conformity with it, was presented by the whole house. 
The answer of the King being deemed inexplicit, it was, on the 
4th of March, resolved " that the house will consider as enemies 
to his Majesty and the country, all those who should advise or 
attempt a further prosecution of offensive war on the continent of 
North America." 

These votes were soon followed by a change of ministers, and 
by instructions to the officers commanding the forces in America, 
which conformed to them. 

Early in May, Sir Guy Carlton, who had succeeded Sir Henry 
Clinton, arrived at New York. Having been also appointed, in 
conjunction with Admiral Digby, a commissioner to negotiate a 
peace, he lost no time in forwarding copies of the votes of the 
House of Commons, and of a bill founded on them, which had 
been introduced on the part of administration. But the bill had not 
yet become a law ; nor was any assurance given that the present 
commissioners were authorized to offer other terms than those 
which were formerly rejected. General Carlton could not expect 
that negotiations would open on such a basis. 

But the public votes which have been stated, and probably his 
private instructions, restrained General Carlton from offensive 
war ; and General Washington was too weak to make any attempt 

What was the condition of the continental treasury ? Mention the votes 
in tJic British Parliament which restrained the further prosecution of hostili- 
ties. What communication was now made by Sir Guy Carlton ? 



236 MARSHALL'S 

on the posts in his possession. The summer of 1782 consequently 
passed away without furnishing any military operations of moment 
between the armies under the immediate direction of the respective 
commanders-in-chief. 

Early in August, a letter was received by General Washington 
from Sir Guy Carlton and Admiral Digby, containing the inform- 
ation that Mr. Grenville was at Paris, invested with full powers to 
treat with all the parties at war ; and that his Majesty had com- 
manded his minister to direct Mr. Grenville, that the independence 
of the thirteen provinces should be proposed by him, in the first 
instance, instead of being made a condition of a general treaty. 
This letter was followed by one from Sir Guy Carlton, declaring 
that he could discern no farther object of contest, and that he dis- 
approved of all further hostilities by sea or land, which could only 
multiply the miseries of individuals, without a possible advantage 
to either nation. 

These communications appear to have alarmed the jealousy of 
the minister of France. To quiet his fears. Congress renewed the 
resolution "to enter into no discussion of any overtures for pacifi- 
cation, but in confidence and in concert with his Most Christian 
Majesty ;" and again recommended to the several states to adopt 
such measures as would most effectually guard against all inter- 
course with any subjects of the British crown during the continu- 
ance of the war. 

The same causes which produced this inactivity in the North, 
operated to a considerable extent in the South. 

When General Wayne entered Georgia, the British troops re- 
tired to Savannah, and the Americans advanced to Ebenezer. 

Propositions for the suspension of hostilities were made in the 
Southern department about the time that they were rejected in the 
North. The same motives continuing to influence Congress, they 
were rejected in the South also, and the armies still continued to 
watch each other. While the whole attention of Wayne was di- 
rected towards Savannah, an unlooked-for enemy came upon his 
rear, entered his camp in the night, and had not his army been 
composed of the best materials, must have dispersed it. 

A strong party of Creeks, marching entirely in the night, guided 
by white men through unfrequented ways, subsisting on meal made 
of parched corn, reached the neighborhood of the American army 
undiscovered ; and, emerging in the night from a deep swamp 
which had concealed them, entered the rear of the camp about 
three in the morning of the 23d of June. The sentinel was killed 
before he could sound the alarm, and the first notice of danger was 

Did this change in the views of the British government, cause the summer 
of 1782 to pass away in comparative inactivity ? What movements were 
made in the South ? Descvibe tlie night-attack on Gieneral Wayne. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 237 

given by the fire and yell of the enemy. They rushed into the 
camp, and, killing the few men they met with, seized the artillery. 
Fortunately, some time was wasted in attempting to turn the pieces. 
Captain Parker, with his company, had returned that evening from 
a fatiguing tour of duty, and they were asleep in the rear, near 
the artillery, when the Indians entered the camp. Roused by the 
fire, and perceiving the enemy, he drew off his men in silence, 
and formed them, with the quarter- guard, behind the general's 
house. Wayne was instantly on horseback, believing the whole 
garrison of Savannah to be upon him. Parker was directed to 
charge immediately with the bayonet, and orders were despatched 
to Posey to bring up the troops in camp without delay. The or- 
ders to Parker were executed so promptly, that Posey could not 
reach the scene of action in time to join in it. The Indians, un- 
able to resist the bayonet, soon fled ; leaving their chief, his white 
guides, and seventeen of his warriors, dead on the spot. Only 
twelve prisoners were made. The general's horse was shot under 
him, and twelve privates were killed and wounded. 

This sharp conflict terminated the war in Georgia. Savannah 
was evacuated on the 11th of July, and Wayne rejoined General 
Greene. 

While the two armies continued to watch each other in South 
Carolina, occasional enterprises were undertaken by detachments, 
in some of which a considerable degree of merit was displayed. 
In one of them, the corps of Marion, their general being absent 
in the legislature, was surprised and dispersed by the British 
Colonel Thompson ; and in another, an English guard-galley, 
mounting twelve guns, and manned with forty-three seamen, was 
captured by Captain 'Rudolph of the legion. 

From the possession of the lower country, the army had anti- 
cipated more regular supplies of food than it had been accustomed 
to receive. This hope was disappointed by the measures of the 
government. 

The war having been transferred to the South at a time when 
the depreciation of paper-money had deprived Congress of its 
only fund, subsistence for the troops could often be obtained only 
by coercive means. Popular discontent was the necessary conse- 
quence of this odious measure, and the feelings of the people were 
communicated to their representatives. The Assembly of South 
Carolina, during its session at Jacksonborough, passed a law for- 
bidding impressment, and enacting " that no other persons than 
those who shall be appointed by the Governor for that purpose, 
shall be allowed or permitted to procure supplies for the army." 

What other partial conflicts took place in the South ? Mention the difHculty 
which occurred in procuring provisions tor the Southern army, and the reso- 
lution of the South Carolina Assembly. 



238 MARSHALL'S 

The effect of this measure was soon felt. Subsistence was not 
procured ; and General Greene, after a long course of suffering, 
was compelled to relieve his urgopt wants by an occasional recur- 
rence to means forbidden by law. 

Privations which had been borne without a murmur under the 
excitement of active military operations, produced great irritation 
when that excitement had ceased ; and the discontents in the Penn- 
sylvania line, composed chiefly of foreigners, were aggravated to 
such a point as to produce a treasonable intercourse with the 
enemy, the object of which was to seize General Greene, and de- 
liver him to a detachment of British troops which would march 
out of Charleston to favor the design. It was discovered when 
supposed to be on the point of execution, and a serjeant was con- 
demned and executed on the 22d of April. Twelve others deserted 
that night. 

Charleston was held until the 14th of December. The proposal 
of General Leslie for a cessation of hostilities, and the supply of 
his troops with fresh provisions, in exchange for articles of the 
last necessity in the American camp, being rejected, the British 
general continued to supply his wants by force. This produced 
several skirmishes, to one of which, importance was given by the 
death of Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, whose loss was universally 
lamented. ; 

Such were the prospects of peace in 1782, that a reduction of 
the army was contemplated, by which many of the officers would 
be discharged. In a confidential letter to the Secretary of War, 
after expressing his conviction of the alacrity with which they 
would return to private life, could they be placed in situations as 
eligible as they had left at entering the service, the General added, 
" Yet, I cannot help fearing the result of the measure, when I see 
such a number of men, goaded by a thousand stings of reflection 
on the past, and of anticipation on the future, about to be turned 
on the world, soured by penury, and what they call the ingrati- ■' 
tude of the public ; involved in debt, without one farthing to carry 
them home, after having spent the flower of their days, and many 
of them, their patrimonies, in establishing the freedom and inde- 
pendence of their country, and having suffered every thing which 
human nature is capable of enduring on this side death. But you 
may rely on it, the patience and long-sufferance of this army are 
almost exhausted ; and there never was so great a spirit of dis-. 
content as at this instant." 

To judge rightly of the motives which produced this uneasy 
temper, it must be recollected, that the resolution of October, 1780, . 

What conspiracy was formed against General Greene ? When was Charles. | 
ton evacuated ? State the substance of a letter from General WashingtoU f . 
touching the disbandment of a part of the army. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 239 

granting half-pay for life to the officers, stood on the mere faith 
of a government, possessing no funds enabling it to perform its 
engagements. From requisitions alone, to be made on sovereign 
states, supplies were to be drawn ; and the ill success of these, 
while the dangers of war were impending, furnished melancholy 
presages of their unproductiveness in time of peace. Other con- 
siderations, of decisive influence, were added to this reflection. 
The dispositions manifested by Congress itself, were so unfriendly 
to the half-pay establishment, as to extinguish the hope, that any 
funds the government might acquire would be applied to that ob- 
ject. Since the passage of the resolution, the articles of confede- 
ration, which required the assent of nine states to any act appro- 
priating money, had been adopted ; and nine states had never been 
in favor of the measure. 

In October, the French troops marched to Boston, in order to 
embark for the West Indies ; and the Americans retired into 
winter quarters. General Washington felt the utmost confidence 
that no military operations would be undertaken during the win- 
ter, which would require his presence in camp ; but the irritable 
temper of the army furnished cause for serious apprehension : and 
he determined to forego every gratification to be derived from a 
suspension of his toils, in order to watch its discontents. 

Eventual and preliminary articles of peace, between the United 
States and Great Britain, were signed on the 30th of Novem- 
ber, 1782 ; but their effect was suspended until peace should also 
be concluded between that power and France. This was delayed 
by the persevering endeavors of Spain to recover Gibraltar. At 
length, the formidable armament which had invested that fortress 
was defeated, with immense slaughter ; after which, negotiations 
were commenced in earnest ; and preliminary articles for a peace 
between Great Britain, France, and Spain, were signed on the 20th 
of January, 1783. 

In America, the officers could not look with indifference at the 
prospect which was opening to them. In December, they pre- 
sented a petition to Congress, proposing a commutation of the 
half-pay for a sum in gross, which they flattered themselves would 
encounter fewer prejudices. 

In consequence of the divisions in Congress, the question on 
this petition remained imdecided in March, 1783 ; when intelli- 
gence was received of the signature of the preliminary and even- 
tual articles of peace between the United States and Great Britain. 

The officers, soured by their past sufferings, their present 
wants, and their gloomy prospects — exasperated by the neglect 

When were articles of peace sig-ned hetween the United States and Great 
Britain ? What delayed for a while the full consummation of peace ? Men- 
tion the cause of dissatisfaction among the oflicers of the American army. 



240 MARSHALL'S 

they experienced, and the injustice they apprehended, manifested 
an irritable and uneasy temper, which required only a slight im- 
pulse to give it activity. Early in March, a letter was received 
from a committee, attending on their behalf in Philadelphia, show- 
ing that the objects they solicited had not been obtained. On the 
10th of that month, an anonymous paper was circulated, requiring 
a meeting of the general and field-ofRcers at the public building, 
at eleven in the morning of the succeeding day ; and announcing 
that an officer from each company, and a delegate from the medi- 
cal staff would attend, " to consider the late letter from their repre- 
sentatives in Philadelphia, and what measures (if any) should be 
adopted, to obtain that redress of grievances which they seemed 
to have solicited in vain." 

On the same day, an address to the army was privately circu- 
lated, which was admirably well caculated to work on the passions 
of the moment, and to lead to the most desperate resolutions. 

Persuaded, as the officers generally were, of the indisposition 
of Congress to remunerate their services, this eloquent and im- 
passioned address, dictated by genius and by feeling, found in 
almost every bosom a kindred, though latent sentiment, prepared 
to receive its impression. 

Fortunately, the commander-in-chief was in camp. His cha- 
racteristic firmness and decision did not forsake him in this crisis. 
The occasion required that his measures should be firm, but pru- 
dent and conciliatory — evincive of his fixed determination to op- 
pose any rash proceedings, but calculated to assuage the irritation 
which had been excited, and to restore confidence in government. 

Knowing well that it was much easier to avoid intemperate 
measures, than to correct them, he thought it essential to prevent 
the immediate meeting of the officers ; but, knowing also that a 
sense of injury, and a fear of injustice, had made a deep impression 
on them, and that their sensibilities were all alive to the proceed- 
ings of Congress on their memorial, he thought it more advisable 
to guide their deliberations on that interesting subject, than to dis- 
countenance them. 

With these views, he noticed the anonymous paper in his or- 
ders ; and expressed his conviction, that their good sense would 
secure them from pajnng any " attention to such an irregular in- 
vitation ; but his own duty, he conceived, as well as the reputa- 
tion and true interest of the army, required his disapprobation of 
such disorderly proceedings." At the same time, he requested a 
similarly constituted meeting to convene on the 15th, to hear the 
report of the committee deputed by the army to Congress. " After 

What anonymous address was circulated, calculated to inflame the officers ? 
State the sentiments of General Washington upon this subject, and the course 
he adopted to prevent misciiief. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 241 

mature deliberation, they will devise what further measures ought 
to be adopted, as most rational, and best calculated to obtain the 
just and important object in view." The senior ofRcer present 
was directed to preside, and to report the result of their delibera- 
tions to the commander-in-chief The interval between his orders 
and the general meeting, was employed in impressing on those 
who possessed the largest share of general confidence, a just sense 
of the true interest of the army ; and the whole weight of his in- 
fluence was exerted to calm the agitations of the moment. It was 
all required by the occasion. 

On the 15th, the convention of officers assembled, and General 
Gates took the chair. 

The commander-in-chief then addressed them, in terms well 
calculated to assuage the irritation which had been excited, and 
to give to their deliberations the direction which he wished. After 
animadverting with just severity on the irregular and unmilitary 
mutiny which had been invited, and on the dangerous and crimi- 
nal anonymous paper which had been circulated through camp, 
he entered with affectionate warmth on their meritorious services 
and long sufferings, which had been witnessed with much appro- 
bation by himself, and which entitled them to the gratitude of 
their country, and the admiration^f the world. He stated his own 
earnest endeavors to promote their just claims on the public, and his 
firm belief that Congress would make every exertion honorably to 
perform the engagements which had been made, and to pay the 
debt of gratitude and justice which had been contracted. He ex- 
horted them to avoid the criminal measures which had been sug- 
gested ; and concluded with saying, " Let me conjure you, in the 
name of our common country, as you value your own honor, as 
you respect the rights of humanity, a'hd as you regard the mili- 
tary and national character of America, to express your utmost 
horror and detestation of the man who wishes, under any specious 
pretences, to overturn the liberties of our country, and who wick- 
edly attempts to open the flood-gates of civil discord, and deluge 
our rising empire in blood. 

" By thus determining, and thus acting, you will pursue the 
plain and direct road to the attainment of your wishes. You 
will defeat the insidious designs of our enemies, who are com 
pelled to resort from open force to secret artifice. You will 
give one more distinguished proof of unexampled patriotism and 
patient virtue rising superior to the pressure of the most compli- 
cated sufl^erings ; and you will, by the dignity of your conduct, 
afford occasion for posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious 

When did the meeting of officers take place, and by whom were they ad- 
dressed ? State the substance of the address which General Washington de- 
livered on tills critical occasion. 
21 



242 MARSHALL'S 

example you have exhibited to mankind, had this day been want 
ing, the world had never seen the last stage of perfection to which 
human nature is capable of attaining." 

These sentiments from the man whom the army had been ac- 
customed to love, to revere, and to obey, could not fail to be irre- 
sistible. The general impression was apparent. A resolution 
moved by General Knox, and seconded by Brigadier-General Put- 
nam, " assuring him that the officers reciprocated his affectionate 
expressions with the greatest sincerity of which the human heart 
is capable," was unanimously voted. A committee was then ap- 
pointed to prepare resolutions on the business before them, and to 
report in half an hour. 

The report embodied the sentiments which had been expressed 
by the commander-in-chief, mingling the most fervent assurances 
of their patriotism and devotion to their country, with their hope 
and expectation that Congress would speedily decide on the sub- 
ject of their late application to that body. 

The storm, which had been raised so suddenly, being thus hap- 
pily dissipated, the commander-in-chief exerted all his influence in 
support of the application the officers had made to Congress. 

These proceedings produced a concurrence of nine states in 
favor of the resolution commutiag the half-pay into a sum in gross, 
equal to five years' full pay ; immediately after the passage of 
which, the fears that the war might continue were dissipated by a 
letter from the Marquis de Lafayette, announcing a general peace; 
and orders were immediately issued recalling all armed vessels 
cruising under the authority of the United States. Early in April, 
an authenticated copy of the declaration announcing the exchange 
of ratifications of the preliminary articles between France and 
Great Britain was received; and, on the 19th of that month, the 
cessation of hostilities was proclaimed. 

The reduction of the army, in the empty state of the treasury, 
was a critical operation. Large arrears were due to them, the 
immediate receipt of part of which was required by the most urgent 
wants; and Congress was unable to advance the pay of a single 
month. At the close of the year 1782, the expenditures of the 
.Superintendent of the Finances had exceeded his receipts, including 
foreign loans, four hundred and four thousand seven hundred and 
thirteen dollars and nine-ninetieths ; and the excess continued to 
increase rapidly. 

Congress urged the states to enable him to advance a part of 
the arrears due to the soldiers ; but, as the foreign danger dimin- 
ished, they became still less attentive to there requisitions ; and the 

What effect was produced by Washington's speech, and what resolution 
and report were adopted ? What arrangement was made respecting the offi- 
cers' pay ? Mention the condition of the national treasury. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 243 

financier was under the necessity of making farther anticipations 
of the revenue. Measures were taken to advance three months' 
pay in his notes ; but, before they could be prepared, orders were 
issued for complying with a resolution of Congress, granting un- 
limited furloughs to the non-commissioned officers and privates 
who were engaged for the war. 

The superior officers presented an address to the commander- 
in-chief, in which the most ardent affection to his person, and con- 
fidence in his attachment to the interests of the army, were mingled 
with expressions of profound duty and respect for the government. 
But they declared that they had confidently expected that their 
accounts would be liquidated, and adequate funds for the payment 
of the balances provided, before they should be dispersed or dis- 
banded. 

The general was equally induced by sentiment and by prudence 
to regard this application. Declaring " that as no man could pos- 
sibly be better acquainted than himself with the past merits and 
services of the army, so no one could possibly be more strongly 
impressed with their present ineligible situation ; feel a keener sen- 
sibility at their distresses ; or more ardently desire to alleviate or 
remove them." He added, that although it was not for him, a 
servant of the public, to dispense with orders ; yet, as furloughs 
are a matter of indulgence, not of compulsion, he would not hesi- 
tate, " until the farther pleasure of Congress shall be known, to 
comply with the wishes of the army, under this reservation only, 
that officers sufficient to conduct the men who choose to receive 
furloughs will attend them, either on furlough or on detachment." 

This answer satisfied the officers ; and the arrangements were 
made without a murmur. In October, a proclamation was issued 
by Congress, declaring all soldiers who had engaged for the war, 
to be discharged on the 3d of December. 

While these excellent dispositions were manifested by the vete- 
rans serving under the eye of their patriot chief, the government 
was exposed to insult and outrage from the mutinous spirit of a 
small party of new levies. 

About eighty men of this description, belonging to Pennsylvania, 
who were stationed at Lancaster, marched in a body to Philadel- 
phia, with the avowed purpose of obtaining a redress of their 
grievances from the executive of the state. After augmenting their 
numbers by the junction of a few troops stationed in the barracks, 
they marched with fixed bayonets to the State House ; and, after 
placing sentinels at the doors, sent in a written message, threaten- 
ing the executive of the state with the vengeance of enraged sol- 

On what day were the soldiers of the American army discharged by Con- 
gress ? Mention the outrage offered to that body, by a small party of tlie 
Fennsylvania line. 



244 MARSHALL'S 

diers if their demands were not gratified in twenty minutes. Al- 
though these threats were not directed against Congress, that body- 
was grossly insulted, and its members were blockaded for three 
hours, after which they separated, to reassemble at Princeton. 

On receiving information of this outrage, the commander-in- 
chief detached filleen hundred men, under the command of General 
Howe, to suppress the mutiny. His indignation and his mortifica- 
tion were strongly expressed in his letter to Congress. 

Before this detachment could reach Philadelphia, the disturbances 
were, in a great degree, quieted without bloodshed. 

At length the British troops evacuated New York ; and, on the 
25th of November, a detachment from the American army took 
possession of that town. General Washington, accompanied by 
Governor Clinton, and attended by many civil and military officers, 
and a large number of respectable inhabitants, made his public 
entry on horseback into the city, M^here he was received with every 
mark of attention. 

His military course was now on the point of terminating, and 
he was about to bid adieu to his comrades in arms. This affecting 
interview took place on the 4th of December. The principal officers 
assembled at Frances's tavern at noon ; soon afler which their be- 
loved commander entered. His emotions were too strong to be 
concealed. After an affectionate embrace, and a strong manifest- 
ation of deep feeling, he lefl the room, and, passing through a 
corps of light infantry, walked to White Hall, where a barge 
waited to convey him to Powles Hook. The whole company fol- 
lowed in mute and solemn procession. Having entered the barge, 
he turned to the company, and, waving his hand, bid them a silent 
adieu. They paid him the same affectionate compliment, and 
returned in the same solemn manner to the place where they had 
assembled. 

On the 19th of December, the General arrived at Annapolis, 
then the seat of Congress, and the next day informed that body 
that he attended for the purpose of resigning the commission he 
had the honor of holding in their service. They determined that 
his resignation should be received on Tuesday the 23d, at twelve, 
at a public audience. 

When the hour arrived for performing a ceremony which re- 
called to the memory so many interesting scenes, the gallery was 
crowded with spectators, and several persons of distinction were 
admitted on the floor of Congress. The General was introduced 
by the Secretary, and conducted to a chair. Afler a short pause, 
the President informed him that " the United States in Congress 

When did Washington enter New York city, after its evacuation by the 
enemy ? Relate the particulars of his interview with his officers, and his 
departure towards the South. What took place when he arrived at Annapolis ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 245 

assembled were prepared to receive his communications." The 
General rose, and, in a short and impressive speech, tendered his 
commission. After retiring to his chair, he received, standing, the 
flattering answer of Congress, which was delivered by the Presi- 
dent. 

This interesting scene being closed, the American chief with- 
drew from the hall of Congress, leaving the silent and admiring 
spectators deeply impressed with those sentiments which its solen> 
nity and dignity were calculated to inspire. 

Divested of his military character. General Washington retired 
to Mount Vernon, followed by the enthusiastic love, esteem, and 
admiration of his countrymen. Relieved from the agitations of a 
doubtful contest, and from the toils of an exalted station, he re- 
turned with increased delight to the duties and the enjoyments of 
a private citizen. He indulged the hope that, in the shade of re- 
tirement, under the protection of a free government, and the be- 
nignant influence of mild and equal laws, he might taste that 
felicity which is the reward of a mind at peace with itself, and 
conscious of its own purity. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

General Washington devotes his time to agriculture, to the duties of friendship, and 
*to institutions of public utility. — Resolves of Congress and of the Legislature of 
Virginia for erecting statues to his honor.— He recommends the improvement of in- 
ternal navigation. — Declines accepting a donation offered by his native state. — The 
Society of the Cincinnati. — The causes which led to a change of the government of 
the United States.— Circular letter to the Governors of the several states. 

When an individual, long in possession of great power, and 
almost unlimited influence, retires from office with alacrity, and 
resumes the character of a private citizen with pleasure, the mind 
is gratified in contemplating the example of virtuous moderation, 
and dwells upon it with approving satisfaction. Such was the ex- 
ample exhibited by General Washington. His feelings were thus de- 
scribed in his letter to his friend Lafayette : — " I have not only re- 
tired from all public employments, but am retiring within myself, 
and shall be able to view the solitary walk, and tread the paths of 
private life, with heartfelt satisfaction. Envious of none, I am de- 
termined to be pleased with all ; and this, my dear friend, being 
the order of my march, I will move gently down the stream of 
life, until I sleep with my fathers." 

Every day brought to Mount Vernon testimonials of the grateful 
and ardent affection universally felt by his fellow-citizens. Con- 
Mention the course of life adopted by Washington, after his resignation. 
What sentiments did he express in a letter to Lafayette? How did his 
countrymen testify their gratitude ? 
21* 



246 MARSHALL'S 

gress, soon after peace was proclaimed, unanimously passed a 
resolution for the erection of an equestrian statue of their General, 
at the place which should be established as the seat of government. 
The legislature of Virginia too, at its first session after his resig- 
nation, passed the following resolution. 

" Resolved that the executive be requested to take measures for 
procuring a statue of General Washington, to be of the finest 
marble and best workmanship, with the following inscription on its 
pedestal : 

" The general assembly of the commonwealth of Virginia have 
caused this statue to be erected as a monument of aftection and 
gratitute to George Washington, who, uniting to the endowments 
of the HERO, the virtues of the patriot, and exerting both in es- 
tablishing the liberties of his country, has rendered his name dear 
to his fellow-citizens, and given the world an immortal example 
of true glory." 

This statue stands in the capitol of his native state. 

The time of Washington was now chiefly devoted to agriculture, 
that great source of national prosperity. The energies of his active 
mind were directed to its improvement. His energies were extended 
beyond his own country ; and he entered into a correspondence 
on this interesting subject with those foreigners who had been most 
distinguished for their additions to the stock of agricultural science. 

Mingled with this favorite pursuit, were the multiplied avocations 
resulting from the high office he had lately filled. But their nume- 
rous occupations could not withdraw his mind entirely from objects 
tending to promote and secure the prosperity of his country. 

A person looking beyond the present moment, could not inspect 
the map of the United States, without perceiving the importance 
of connecting the west with the east, by facilitating the intercourse 
between them. 

The attention of General Washington had been directed to this 
subject in early life ; and he had obtained the passage of a bill for 
opening the Potomac and the James. This business was in a train 
which promised success when the war of the revolution diverted 
the attention of its patrons from internal improvements to the still 
greater objects of liberty and independence. As that war ap- 
proached its termination, internal navigation reclaimed its just 
place with the wise and thinking part of society. 

Accustomed to contemplate America as his country, Washing- 
ton now took a more enlarged view of the advantages to be de- 
rived from opening both the eastern and western waters. After 
peace had been proclaimed, he traversed the western parts of New 

To what was the time of Washington chiefly devoted ? What other pur- 
suit claimed a share of his attention ? Did he, at an e?arly period, perceive 
the advantages of easy internal communication ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 247 

England and New York ; and saw with prophetic eye the im- 
mense advantages which have since been derived from executing 
the plans he meditated. 

Scarcely had he answered those spontaneous offerings of the 
heart which flowed in upon him from every part of a grateful 
nation, when his views were seriously turned to this interesting 
subject. In the autumn of 1784, he made a tour as far west as 
Pittsburg ; after returning from which, his first moments of leisure 
were devoted to the task of engaging his countrymen in a work 
which appeared to him to merit still more attention from its politi- 
cal, than from its commercial influence on the Union. In a lono- 
and interesting letter to the Governor of Virginia, he detailed the 
advantages which might be derived from opening the great rivers, 
the Potomac and the James, as far as should be practicable. His 
plan also extended to the navigable waters of the west, and to a 
communication with the great lakes of that i^egion. By these 
means alone, he thought, could the connexion of the western with 
the Atlantic country be preserved. This idea was pressed with 
much earnestness in his letters to several members of Congress. 

His letter to the Governor of Virginia was communicated to the 
legislature, and the internal improvements it recommended were 
zealously supported by the wisest members of that body. While 
the subject remained undecided. General ^Vashington, accompa- 
nied by the Marquis de Lafayette, who had crossed the Atlantic 
for the purpose of devoting a part of his time to the delights of an 
enthusiastic friendship, paid a visit to the capital of the state. 
Amidst the festivities which were produced by the occasion, the 
great business of internal improvement was assiduously pressed ; 
and the ardour of the moment was seized to conquer those objec- 
tions to the plan which still lingered in the bosoms of members 
who thought that no future advantages could compensate for the 
present expense. 

An exact conformity between the acts of Virginia and Maryland 
being indispensable to the improvement of the Potomac, a resolu- 
tion was passed soon after the return of General Washington to 
Mount Vernon, requesting him to attend the legislature of Mary- 
land, in order to agree on a bill which might receive the sanction 
of both states. This agreement being happily completed, those 
bills were enacted which form the first essay towards connecting 
the navigation of the eastern with the western waters of the United 
States. 

These acts were succeeded by one which conveys the liberal 
wishes of the legislature with a delicacy not less honorable to its 

What views of internal navigation were expressed in Washington's letter 
' to the Governor of Virginia ? Who came from Europe, to visit Washington ? 
What acts were passed by Virginia and Maryland ? 



248 MARSHALL'S 

framers than to him who was its object. The treasurer had been 
instructed to subscribe, in behalf of the state, for a specified num- 
ber of shares in each company. At the close of the session, a 
bill was suddenly brought in, and passed unanimously by both 
houses, authorizing the treasurer to subscribe for the benefit of 
General Washington, the same number of shares in each company 
as were to be taken for the state. A preamble was prefixed to the 
enacting clause of this bill, which enhanced its value. With sim- 
ple elegance it conveyed the sentiment that, in seizing this occasion 
to make a donation which would in some degree testify their sense 
of the merits of their most favored and most illustrious citizen, 
the donors would themselves be the obliged. 

This delicate and flattering testimony of the affection of his 
fellow -citizens was not without its embarrassments. From his 
early resolution to receive no pecuniary compensation for his ser- 
vices, he could not permit himself to depart ; and yet this mark 
of the gratitude and attachment of his country could not easily 
be rejected, without furnishing occasion for sentiments he was 
unwilling to excite. To the friend who conveyed to him the first 
intelligence of this bill, his difficulties were fully expressed. 

A correspondence with the Governor on this subject was closed 
with a letter in which he said, " whilst I repeat therefore my fer- 
ment acknowledgments to the legislature for their very kind senti- 
ments and intentions in my favor, and at the same time beg them 
to be persuaded that a remembrance of this singular proof of their 
goodness towards me will never cease to cherish returns of the 
warmest affection and gratitude, I must pray that their act, so far 
as it has for its object my personal emolument, may not have its 
effect ; but if it should please the General Assembly to permit me 
to turn the destination of the fund vested in me, from my private 
emolument to objects of a public nature, it will be my study, in 
selecting these, to prove the sincerity of my gratitude for the honor 
conferred upon me, by preferring such as may appear most subser- 
vient to the enlightened and patriotic views of the legislature." 

The wish suggested in this letter was gratified : and, at a sub- 
sequent time, the trust was executed by conveying the shares re- 
spectively, to the use of a seminary of learning established in the 
vicinity of each river. 

General Washington felt too strong an interest in the success 
of these works, to refuse the presidency of the companies instituted 
for their completion. 

These were not the only institutions which occasionally drew 
the farmer of Mount Vernon from his retreat. 

In what manner did the legislature of Virginia endeavor to enrich Gene- 
ral Washington ? Upon what grounds did he decline accepting the bounty 
which they were anxious to bestow ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 249 

The sentiments with which the officers of the American army 
contemplated a final separation from eacli other will be compre- 
hended by all who are conversant with the feelings of the human 
"heart. Companions in virtuous suffering, in danger, and in glory — 
attached to each other by common exertions made in a severe 
struggle for the attainment of a common object — they felt that to part 
forever was a calamity too afflicting to be supported. The means 
of perpetuating those friendships which had been formed, and of 
renewing that endearing social intercourse which had taken place 
in camp, were universally desired. Some expedient was sought 
which might preserve the memory of the army, while it cheered 
the officers who were on the point of separating with the hope 
that the separation would not be eternal ; that the bonds by which 
I they were connected would not be totally dissolved ,- and that for 
' many beneficial purposes, they would still form one great society. 
This idea was suggested by General Knox, and matured in a 
meeting at which the Baron Steuben presided. An agreement was 
then entered into by which the officers w^ere to constitute them- 
selves into one society of friends, to be denominated the society of 
' the Cincinnati, to endure as long as they should endure, or any of 
j their eldest male posterity ; and, in failure thereof, any collateral 
I branches judged worthy of becoming members were to be admitted 
(i into it. Distinguished individuals of the respective states might be 
I admitted as honorary members for life. 

I The society was to be designated b)'' a medal of gold represent- 

I ing the American eagle. The insignia of the order were to be 

( presented to the ministers who had represented his Most Christian 

1 Majesty at Philadelphia, and to the French officers who had served 

\ in the United States, and they were to be invited to consider them- 

! selves as members of the society, at the head of which the com- 

* mander-in-chief was respectfully solicited to place his name. 

I An incessant attention to the preservation of the exalted rights 

I and privileges of human nature, and an unalterable determination 

j to promote and cherish union and national honor between the re- 

I spective states, were declared to be the immutable principles of the 

I society. Its objects were to perpetuate the remembrance of the 

American revolution, as well as cordial affection and the spirit of 

I brotherly kindness among the officers, and to extend acts of bene- 

ficence to those officers and their families who might require as* 

sistance. For this purpose a common fund was to be created by 

the contribution of one month's pay on the part of each officer 

becoming a member. 

The military gentlemen of each state were to constitute a dis- 

What considerations gave rise to the society of the Cincinnati ? What 
were the principles and regulations of this association ? Who were to con- 
stitute its members ? 



250 MARSHALL'S 

tinct society, deputies from which were to assemble triennially in 
order to form a general meeting. 

Soon after the organization of this institution, those jealousies 
which had in its first moments been concealed, burst forth into 
open view. In October 1783, a pamphlet was published by Mr. 
Burk of South Carolina, pourtraying in the fervid and impetuous 
language of passion the dangers to equal rights with which it was 
supposed to be replete. The alarm was spread through every state 
and a high degree of jealousy pervaded the mass of the people. 

It was impossible for General Washington to view this state of 
the public feeling with indifference. Bound to the officers of the 
army by the strictest ties of esteem and affection, he was alive to 
every thing which might affect their reputation or their interest. 
However ill-founded the public prejudices might be, he thought 
this a case in which they ought to be respected ; and if it should 
be found impracticable to convince the people that their fears were 
misplaced, he was disposed " to yield to them in a degree, and not 
to suffer that which was intended for the best of purposes, to pro- 
duce a bad one." 

A general meeting was to be held in Philadelphia in May 1784, 
and, in the meantime, he had been appointed temporary president. 
The most exact enquiries assiduously made into the true state of 
the public mind, resulted in a conviction that opinions unfriendly 
to the institution, in its actual form, were extensively entertained ; 
and that those opinions were founded in real apprehensions for 
equal liberty. 

A wise and necessary policy required, he thought, the removal 
of these apprehensions ; and at the general meeting in May, the 
hereditary principle, and the power of adopting honorary mem- 
bers, were relinquished. The result demonstrated the propriety 
of this alteration. 

While General Washington thus devoted his time to rural pur- 
suits, to the duties of friendship, and to institutions of public, 
utility, the political state of his country, becoming daily more em- 
barrassed, attracted more and more deeply the anxious sohcitude 
of every enlightened and virtuous patriot. From peace, from in- 
dependence, and from governments of their own choice, the United 
States had confidently anticipated every blessing. The glorious 
termination of their contest with one of the most power/ul nations 
of the earth ; the steady and persevering courage with which that 
contest liad been maintained, and the unyielding firmness with 
which the privations attending it had been supported, had sur- 
rounded the infant republics with a great degree of splendor, and 

Did this society become the subject of popular disfavor ? What alterations 
were made, to remove this hostile feeling ? Were these changes acceptable 
to the people ? 



il 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 251 

had bestowed upon them a character which could be preserved 
only by a national and dignified system of conduct. A very short 
time was sufficient to demonstrate that something not yet possessed 
was requisite, to ensure the public and private prosperity expected 
to flow from self-government. After a short struggle so to admin- 
ister the existing system as to make it competent to the great 
objects for which it was instituted, the effort became apparently 
desperate ; and American affairs were impelled rapidly to a crisis, 
on which the continuance of the United States as a nation appeared 
to depend. 

A government authorized to declare war, but relying on inde- 
pendent states for the means of prosecuting it, capable of con- 
tracting debts, but depending on thirteen distinct sovereignties for 
the means of payment, could not be rescued from ignominy and 
contempt but by finding those sovereignties administered by men 
exempt from the passions incident to human nature. 

It has been already stated that the continent was divided into 
two great political parties, the one of which conteniplated Ame- 
rica as a nation, and labored incessantly to invest Congress with 
powers competent to the preservation of the Union. The other 
attached itself to the state governments, viewed all the powers of 
Congress with jealousy, and assented reluctantly to measures, 
however indispensable, which would enable the head to act, in any 
respect independently of the members. Men of enlarged and 
liberal minds who, in the imbecility of the General Government 
could discern the imbecility of the nation itself, who felt the full 
value of national character, and the full obligation of national 
I faith, arranged themselves in the first party. The officers of the 
t army, whose local prejudices had been weakened by associating 
! with each other, and whose experience had furnished lessons on 
the iriefficacy of requisitions not soon to be forgotten, threw their 
I weight into the same scale. 

I The other party, if not more intelligent, was more numerous 
j and more powerful. It was nourished by prejudices and feelings 
I which grew without effort, and gained strength from the intimate 
j connexion between a state and its citizens. It required a concur- 
I rence; of extrinsic circumstances to force on minds unwilling to 
receive the demonstration, .a conviction of the necessity of an 
effective national government, and to give even a temporary as- 
cendency to that party which had long foreseen and deplored the 
crisis to which the affairs of the United States were hastening. 

Sensible that the character of the government would be decided 
by the measures which should immediately follow the treaty of 

Did the people of the United States derive from their new political condi- 
tion the advantages that were anticipated ? To what causes must we attri- 
bute the inefficiency of the national government ? 



252 MARSHALL'S 

peace, patriots of the first ability sought a place in the Congress of 
1783. Combining their efforts for the establishment of principles 
which might maintain the honor and promote the interests of the 
nation, they exerted all their talents to impress on the states the ' 
necessity of conferring powers on the government which might be 
competent to its preservation. With unwearied perseverance, they 
obtained the assent of Congress to a system which, though uneqmtl 
to what their judgments would have approved, was believed to be 
the best that was attainable. 

The committee to whom this interesting subject was referred, 
reported sundry resolutions recommending it to the several states 
to vest in Congress permanent funds, adequate to the immediate 
payment of the interest on the national debt, and to the gradual 
extinction of the principal. 

After a tedious debate, the report was adopted ; and a committee, 
consisting of Mr. Madison, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Ellsworth, was 
appointed to prepare an address, which should accompany the re- 
commendation to the several states. 

This able state paper will excite, even at this day, emotions of 
admiration for its authors, and of astonishment at its failure. In 
the refusal of the states to comply with the measures it recom- 
mended, we find a complete demonstration of the impracticability 
of preserving union without investing its government with adequate 
powers. 

No person felt more anxious solicitude for the complete success 
of the plan recommended by Congress, than General Washington. 

Availing himself of the usage of communicating on national 
subjects with the state governments, and of the opportunity given 
by his approaching resignation of the command of the army, to 
convey to them his sentiments impressively, he had determined to 
employ all the influence which the circumstances of his life had 
created, in earnest recommendation of measures on which the 
happiness and prosperity of his country were believed to depend. 
On the 8th of June, 1783, he addressed a paternal and affectionate 
letter to the Governors of the respective states, in which his con- 
gratulations on the successful termination of their revolutionary 
struggle, and on the high destinies in prospect, were mingled with 
solemn admonitions warning them of the perils with which their 
new situation was environed. With impressive earnestness he 
urged upon them " four things," as essential " to the existence of 
the United States as an independent power." 

" 1st. An indissoluble union of the states under one federal 
head. 

What was recommended by a committee of Congress, with a view to the 
procurement of funds for national purposes ? State the substance of a letter 
of Washington to the Governors of the states. 



„» l;, 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 253 

" 2d. A sacred regard to public justice. 

" 3d. The adoption of a proper peace establishment. 

" 4th. The prevalence of that pacific and friendly disposition 
Among the people of the United States, which will induce them to 
forget their local prejudices and politics, to make those mutual 
concessions which are requisite to the general prosperity, and, in 
some instances, to sacrifice their individual advantages to the inter- 
est of the community." 

The letter enlarged upon these topics, and pressed them on the 
consideration of those to whom it was addressed, with that anxious 
earnestness which grew out of a most devoted love of country, and 
a deep-felt conviction that the prosperity of that country would be 
determined by the measures it was about to adopt. 

This solemn and affecting admonition was laid by the Governors 
of the several states before their respective assemblies. Its im- 
pression could not be surpassed. Like the counsel of a parent, on 
whom the grave is about to close forever, it sunk deep into the 
hearts of all. But, like the counsels of a parent withdrawn from 
view, the advice was too soon forgotten. 

The recommendations of Congress did not receive that prompt 
consideration which the exigence demanded, nor did they meet 
that universal assent which was necessary to give them effect. 

Not immediately perceiving that the error lay in a system which 
was unfit for use, the distinguished patriots of the revolution con- 
templated with increasing anxiety, the anti- American temper which 
displayed itself in almost every part of the Union. 

That the imbecility of the federal government, and the impotence 
of its requisitions, would abase the American character in the esti- 
mation of the world, was no longer a prediction. That course of 
national degradation had already commenced. 

While the system recommended on the 18th of April, 1783, was 
depending before the states, requisitions for the intermediate supply 
of the national demands were annually repeated by Congress, and 
were annually neglected. Happily, a loan had been negotiated in 
Holland by Mr. Adams, out of which the interest of the foreign 
debt had been partly paid ; but that fund was exhausted, and the 
United States had no means of replacing it. Unable to pay the 
interest, they would, in the succeeding year, be liable for the firs 
instalment of the principal ; and the humiliating circumstance was 
to be encountered of a total failure to comply with the most solemn 
engagements, unaccompanied with the prospect of being enabled 
to give assurances that, at any future time, their situation would 
be more eligible. If the condition of the domestic creditors was not 

Were the necessities of the general government attended to by the states ? 
What circumstances of discredit and humiliation were consequent upon this 
neglect ? 

22 



254 MARSHALL'S 

absolutely desperate, their prospect of obtaining payment was so 
distant and uncertain, that their evidences of debt were transferred 
at an eighth, and even at a tenth of their nominal value. 

In 1786, the revenue system of April, 1783, was again solemnly 
recommended to the consideration of the several states, and again 
failed to receive their unanimous assent ; and thus was finally de- 
feated the laborious and persevering effort made by Congress to 
obtain the means of preserving the faith of the nation. 

General Washington's letters of that period abound with pas- 
sages showing the solicitude with which he watched the progress 
of this recommendation. In a letter of October, 1785, he said — 
" The war has terminated most advantageously for America, and 
a fair field is presented to our view ; but I confess to you freely, 
my dear sir, that I do not think we possess wisdom or justice 
enough to cultivate it properly. Illiberality, jealousy, and local 
policy, mix too much in our public counsels for the good govern- 
ment of the Union. In a word, the confederation appears to me 
to be little more than a shadow without the substance ; and Con- 
gress a nugatory body, their ordinances being little attended to. 
To me, it is a solecism in politics ; — indeed, it one of the most ex- 
traordinary things in nature, that we should confederate as a na- 
tion, and yet be afraid to give the rulers of that nation, who are 
the creatures of our own making, appointed for a limited and short 
duration, and who are amenable for every action, recallable at 
any moment, and subject to all the evils they may be instrumental 
in producing — sufficient powers to order and direct the afiairs of 
the same. By such policy as this the wheels of government are 
clogged ; and our brightest prospects, and that high expectation 
which was entertained of us by the wondering world, are turned 
into astonishment." 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Differences between the United States and Great Britain.— Mr. Adams appointed Min- 
ister to Great Britain.— Discontents excited by the commercial regulations of that 
power.— Parties in the United States —Convention at Annapolis— Virginia appoints 
deputies to a convention at Philadelphia.— General Washington chosen one of thera.— 
Insurrection in Massachusetts.— Convention at Philadelphia.— Form of government 
submitted to the several states.— Ratified by eleven of them.— General Washington 
elected President.— Meeting of the first Congress. 

While the friends of the national government were making 
these unavailing efforts to invest it with a revenue which might 
enable it to preserve the national faith, many causes concurred 

Was the revenue system again submitted to the several states, without 
securing their concurrence ? State the substance of Washington's letter in 
reference to this important subject. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 255 

to prepare the public mind for some great and radical change m 
the political system of America. 

Scarcely had the war of the revolution terminated, when the 
United States and Great Britain reciprocally charged each other 
with violations of the treaty of peace. A serious difference of 
opinion prevailed, on the construction of that part of the seventh 
article which stipulates against the "destruction or carrying away 
of any negroes, or other property of the American inhabitants.'* 
In. addition to this circumstance, the troops of his Britannic majesty 
still retained possession of the posts on the American side of the 
great lakes ; which gave them a decided influence over the war- 
like tribes of Indians in their neighborhood. 

On the other hand, the United States were charged with in- 
fringing the fourth, fifth, and sixth articles, which contain agree- 
ments respecting the payment of debts, the confiscation of property, 
and prosecution of individuals, for the part taken by them during 
the war. 

These causes of mutual complaint, being permitted to rankle 
for some time in the bosoms of both nations, produced a consider- 
able degree of irritation. 

But the cause of most extensive disquiet Was, the vigorous com- 
mercial system pursued by Great Britain. While colonists, the 
Americans had carried on a free and gainful trade with the Brit- 
ish West Indies. These ports were closed against them, as citi- 
zens of an independent state ; and their accustomed intercourse 
with other parts of the empire, was also interrupted by the Navi- 
gation Act. To explore new channels of commerce, was opposed 
by obstacles which almost discouraged the attempt. On every 
side, they met with rigorous and unexpected restrictions. Their 
trade with the colonies of other powers, as well as with those of 
England, was prohibited ; and they encountered regulations in all 
the ports of Europe, which were extremely embarrassing. From 
the Mediterranean, they were excluded by the Barbary powers ; 
whose hostility they had no force to subdue, and whose friendship 
they had no money to purchase. 

With many, the desire of counteracting this injurious system 
triumphed over the attachment to state sovereignty; and the 
converts to the opinion that Congress ought to be empowered 
to regulate trade, were daily multiplied. Meanwhile, the United 
States were unremitting in their endeavors to form commercial 
treaties. Three commissioners had been deputed for that purpose; 
and at length, Mr. John Adams was appointed minister plenipo- 
tentiary to the court of St. James. His endeavors were not suc- 

What differences occurred between the United States and Great Britain ? 
Mention the circumstances of restriction which repressed the activity of 
Americaii comnaerce. 



256 MARSHALL'S 

cessful. His overtures were declined, because the government of 
the United States was unable to secure the observance of any 
general commercial regulations. 

Many other causes contributed to diffuse such a general dis- 
satisfaction with the existing state of things, as to prepare the way 
for some essential change in the American system. In the course 
of the long war which had been carried on in the bosom of their 
country, tlie people of the United States had been greatly impove- 
rished. Their property had been seized for the support of both 
armies ; much of their labor had been drawn from agriculture fox 
military service ; the naval power of the enemy had almost anni- 
hilated their commerce ; those consumable articles which habit 
had rendered necessary, were exhausted ,• and peace found the 
American people not only destitute of the elegancies, and even of 
the conveniences of life, but also without the means of procuring 
them, otherwise than by anticipating. the proceeds of future indus- 
try. On opening their ports, an immense quantity of foreign 
merchandise was introduced into the country ; and they were 
tempted, by the sudden cheapness of imported goods, and by their 
own wants, to purchase beyond their capacities for payment. 
Under the Impression made by paper-money, many individuals 
had made extensive purchases, at high prices, and had thus con- 
tributed to prolong the deception imposed upon themselves by 
those who supposed that the revolution was a talisman whose 
magic powers were capable of changing the nature of things. The 
delusive hopes created by these visionary calculations, were soon 
dissipated ; and a great proportion of the people found themselves 
involved in debts they were unable to discharge. 

The consequence of this unprosperous state of things was, a 
general dissatisfaction with the course of trade, and a desire to 
compel foreign nations, by retaliatory restrictions, to the adoption 
of a more liberal and equal system. These dispositions displayed 
themselves in angry publications, animated resolutions, and ad- 
dresses to the state legislatures and to the general government, 
urging the necessity of investing Congress with power to regulate 
commerce. 

During these transactions, the public attention was called to 
another subject, which increased the impression made on every 
reflecting mind, of the necessity of enlarging the powers of the 
general government. 

The uneasiness occasioned by the infractions of the treaty of 
peace on the part of Great Britain, has been noticed. To obtain 
its complete execution, constituted one of the objects for which 

What causes concurred to distress the American people, and to force upon 
them the conviction, that the powers of the national government were inade- 
quate to the purpose for which it was instituted ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 257 

Mr. Adams had been deputed to the Court of St. James. A me- 
morial from that minister, pressing for a full compliance with the 
treaty, was answered by an explicit acknowledgment of the obli- 
gations created by the seventh article, to evacuate every post 
within the United States. But the British minister insisted, that 
the obligation to remove every lawful impediment to the recovery 
of bona fide debts, was equally clear ; and concluded his letter 
with the assurance, " that whenever America should manifest a 
real determination to fulfil her part of the treaty, Great Britain 
would not hesitate to prove her sincerity to co-operate in whatever 
points depended on her for carrying every article of it into real 
and complete effect." 

Copies of both documents were immediately transmitted to 
Congress, by whom they were referred to Mr. Jay, the Minister 
of Foreign Affcdrs. The report of that upright minister did not 
affect to exculpate his country. 

The government of the United States did not possess the power 
to carry the treaty into execution on their part ; and this inability 
rendered any attempt to obtain its prior execution on the part of 
Great Britain entirely hopeless . 

The discontents arising from the embarrassments of indivxduals 
continued to increase. At length, two great parties were formed 
m every state, which pursued distinct objects with systematic ar- 
rangement. 

The one struggled for the exact observance of public and pri- 
vate contracts. Those who composed it were the uniform friends 
of a regular administration of justice, and of a vigorous course of 
taxation, which would enable the state to comply with its engage- 
ments. By a natural association of ideas, they were also in favor 
of enlarging the powers of the federal government, and of enabling 
it to protect the dignity and the character of the nation abroad, and 
its interests at home. 

The other party marked out for themselves a more indulgent 
course. They were uniformly in favor of relaxing the adminis- 
tration of justice, of aflxDrding facilities for the payment of debts 
or of suspending their collection, and of remitting taxes. The 
same course of opinion led them to resist every attempt to transfer 
from their own hands into -those of Congress, powers which others 
deemed essential to the preservation of the Union. Wherever this 
party was predominant, the emission of paper-money, the delay of 
legal proceedings, and the suspension of taxes, were the fruits of 
their rule. Even where they failed to carry their measures, their 
strength was such as to encourage the hope of succeeding in a 

What was the reply of Great Britain, when urged by America to fulfil the 
stipulations of the treaty of 1783 ? What two parties now arose in the United 
States, and what were their distinctive characteristics ? 
22* 



258 MARSHALL'S 

future attempt. Throughout the Union the contest between these 
parties was annually revived, and the pubhc mind was perpetually 
agitated with hopes and fears on subjects which affected essentially 
the fortunes of a considerable portion of society. This instability 
in principles which ought to be rendered immutable, produced a 
long train of ills ; and is believed to have been among the operat- 
ing causes of those pecuniary embarrassments which influenced 
the legislation of almost every state. The wise and thinking part 
of the community, who could trace evils to their source, laboured 
unceasingly to inculcate opinions favorable to the incorporation of 
some principles into the political system, which might correct its 
obvious vices, without endangering its free spirit. 

While the advocates of union were exerting themselves to im- 
press its necessity on the public mind, measures were taken in 
Virginia which, though originating in different views, terminated 
in a proposition for a general convention to revive the federal 
system. 

Commissioners were appointed by the legislatures of that state, 
and of Maryland, to form a compact relative to the navigation of 
the rivers Potomac and Pocomoke, and part of the bay of Chesa- 
peake, who assembled in Alexandria in March 1785. While at 
Mount Vernon on a visit, they agreed to propose to their respec- 
tive governments the appointment of other commissioners, with 
power to make conjoint arrangements with the assent of Congress, 
for mamtaining a naval force in the Chesapeake ; and to establish 
a tariff of duties on imports. Virginia also directed that the reso- 
lution relative to the duties on imports should be communicated to 
all the states in the Union, who were invited to send deputies to the 
meeting. 

A few days after the passage of these resolutions, another was 
adopted appointing commissioners, " who were to meet such as 
might be appointed by the other states in the Union, at a time and 
place to be agreed on, to take into consideration the trade of the 
United States," " and to report to the several states such an act 
relative to this great object, as, when unanimously ratified by them, 
will enable the United States in Congress assembled, effectually to 
provide for the same." 

Annapolis in Maryland was proposed as the place, and the en- 
suing September as the time of meeting. Before the arrival of the 
time at which these commissioners were to assemble, the idea was 
carried, by those who saw and deplored the complicated calamities 
which flowed from the inefficiency of the General Government, 
much farther than was avowed by the resolutions of Virginia. 

To what cause may be justly attributed the embarrassments which pre- 
vailed in the United States ? Mention the circumstances which led to a pro- 
position from Virginia, thjit deputies from all the states should assemble at 
Annapolis, in March, 1785. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 259 

The convention at Annapolis was attended by commissioners 
from only five states. Perceiving that more ample powers would 
be required to effect the beneficial purposes which they contem- 
plated, and hoping to procure a representation from a greater num- 
ber of states, the convention determined to rise without coming to 
any specific resolutions on the subject referred to them. They 
agreed, however, on a report to be made to their respective states, 
in which they represented the necessity of extending the revision 
of the federal system to all its defects, and recommended that de- 
puties for that purpose be appointed by the several legislatures, to 
meet in convention in the city of Philadelphia, on the second day 
of the ensuing May. 

A copy of this report was transmitted to Congress, and to the 
legislatures of the respective states. On receiving it, the legislature 
of Virginia passed an act for the appointment of deputies to meet 
such as might be appointed by other states. 

In communicating this act to General Washington, Mr. Madison, 
its most effective advocate, intimated the intention of aiding it by 
the influence and character of the chief of the revolution. 

" Although," said the General in reply, " I have bid a public 
adieu to the public walks of life, and had resolved never more to 
tread that theatre ; yet, if upon an occasion so interesting to the 
well-being of the confederacy, it had been the wish of the assembly 
that I should be an associate in the business of revising the federal 
system, I should, from a sense of the obligation I am under for 
repeated proofs of confidence in me, more than from any opinion 
I could entertain of my usefulness, have obeyed its call ; but it is 
now out of my power to do this with any degree of consistency — 
the cause I will mention." 

The General then proceeded to state, that the triennial general 
meeting of the Cincinnati was to be held in Philadelphia at the time 
the convention was to assemble. He had, a few days previously, 
addressed a circular letter to each state society and to the Vice- 
President, informing them of his intention not to be at the meeting, 
and of his desire not to be re-chosen President. He could not 
consent to appear at the same time and place, on any other 
occasion. 

Notwithstanding this letter, the name of General Washington 
was not withdrawn, and he was unanimously chosen a member of 
the convention. On receiving private information of this appoint- 
ment, he addressed a second letter to his confidential friend, de- 
tailing more at large the motives which induced him to decline a 
service the importance of which no man felt more sensibly. 

What was done by the convention at Annapolis ? Was General Washing- 
ton reluctant to become a member of the proposed convention at Philadw* 
phia ? Mention the chief motive which influenced him ? 



260 MARSHALL'S 

His name, however, was continued in the appointment. The 
gloomy state of affairs in the North was supposed to render this 
the more necessary. 

The Governor of Virginia, who was himself elected a member 
of the convention, transmitted to him the act and the vote of the 
assembly in a letter, pressing most earnestly on him all those 
motives for yielding to the general wish, which were furnished by 
the importance of the crisis, and the gloomy state of American 
affairs. He was urged, at all events, not to decide positively 
against it, but to leave himself at liberty to be determined by future 
events. 

General Washington, however, still thought that the delicacy of 
his situation obliged him to decline the appointment. But it was 
obvious, that he refused himself reluctantly to the anxious wishes 
of the wisest of his countrymen ; and the executive, unwilHng to 
relinquish the advantages which the legislature expected to derive 
from exhibiting his name at the head of the Virginia delegation, 
refused to consider him as having decHned the appointment. In 
the meantime those who expected much good from the proposed 
convention, continued to urge him, with delicacy but with earnest- 
ness, not to withhold on this great and particular occasion, those 
inestimable services which the confidence so justly reposed in his 
talents and character enabled him alone to render. 

Earnestly as General Washington wished success to the expe- 
riment about to be made, he could not surrender his objections to 
the step its friends urged him to take, without the most serious 
consideration. In addition to that which grew out of his connexion 
with the Cincinnati, and to his reluctance to be drawn, on any oc- 
casion, into a political station, there were others which could not 
be disregarded. A convention, not originating in a recommenda- 
tion of Congress, was deemed by many an illegitimate meeting ; 
and, as the New England states had neglected the invitation to 
appear by their delegates at Annapolis, it was apprehended they 
might be equally inattentive to the request now made them to as- 
semble at Philadelphia. To appear in a public character for a 
purpose not generally deemed of the utmost importance, would 
not only be unpleasant to himself, but diminish his capacity to be 
useful on occasions which subsequent events might produce. His 
enquiries therefore into the public sentiment were carefully and 
assiduously made. 

The ultimate decision of the states on this interesting proposi- 
tion seems to have been influenced, in no inconsiderable degree, by 
the commotions which at that time agitated all New England, and 
particularly Massachusetts. 

In what way was Washington repeatedly urged to lend the weight of hia 
name to the proposed convention ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 261 

Those causes of discontent which existed in every part of the 
Union, were particularly operative in New England. The great 
exertions which had been made by those states in support of the 
war had accumulated a mass of debt, the taxes for the payment of 
which were the more burdensome, because their fisheries had be- 
come unproductive. The restlessness produced by the uneasy 
situation of individuals, connected with lax notions concerning 
public and private faith, and erroneous opinions which confound 
liberty with an exemption from the control of law, produced a state 
of things which alarmed all reflecting men. 

This disorderly spirit was stimulated by unlicensed conventions, 
which, after voting their own constitutionality, and assuming the 
name of the people, arrayed themselves against the legislature, 
and detailed, at great length, the grievances by which they alleged 
themselves to be oppressed. Its hostility was directed principally 
against the compensation promised to the officers of the army, 
against taxes, and against the administration of justice. A depre- 
ciated currency was required, as a relief from the pressure of 
public and private burdens, which had become, it was alleged, too 
heavy to be longer borne. To such a dangerous extent were these 
dispositions indulged, that, in many instances, tumultuous assem- 
blages arrested the course of law, and restrained the judges from 
proceeding in the execution of their duty. The ordinary recourse 
to the power of the country was found an insufficient protection, 
and the appeals made to reason were unavailing. The forbear- 
ance of the government was attributed to timidity, rather than to 
moderation, and the spirit of insurrection appeared to be organized 
into a regular system for the suppression of courts. 

In the bosom of Washington, these tumults excited attention and 
alarm. To a member of Congress, who suggested the idea of re- 
sorting to his influence for the purpose of quieting them, he said — 
" You talk, my good sir, of employing influence to appease the 
present tumults of Massachusetts ; I know not where that influ- 
ence is to be found ; nor, if attainable, that it would be a proper 
remedy for these disorders. Influence is not government. Let 
us have a government, by which our lives, liberties, and properties 
will be secured ; or let us know the worst at once. Under -these 
impressions, my humble opinion is that there is a call for decision. 
Know precisely what the insurgents aim at. If they have real 
grievances, redress them, if possible ; or acknowledge the justice 
of them, and your inability to do it in the present moment. If 
they have not, employ the force of the government against them 
at once." 

What were the chief causes of the popular commotions in New England ? 
Was the course of the law arrested ? What was the opinion of Washington, 
as to the proper mode of dealing with the insurgents ? 



2G2 MARSHALL'S 

Finding that the lenient measures adopted by the legislature, to 
reclaim the insurgents, only enlarged their demands ; and that 
they were proceeding systematically to organize a military force 
for the subversion of the constitution. Governor Bowdoin deter- 
mined, vv^ith the advice of his council, on a vigorous exertion of all 
the powers he possessed, for the protection and defence of the 
commonwealth. Upwards of four thousand militia were ordered 
into service, and were placed under the command of the veteran 
General Lincoln. The difficulty arising from an empty treasury 
was removed by the patriotism of individuals. A number of gen- 
tlemen in Boston, preceded by the Governor, subscribed a sufficient 
sum to carry on the proposed expedition. 

In the depth of winter, the troops from the eastern part of the 
state assembled near Boston, and marched towards the scene of 
action. Those from the western counties, met in arms under 
General Shepard, and took possession of the arsenal at Springfield. 
Before the arrival of Lincoln, a party of insurgents attempted to 
dislodge Shepard, but were repulsed with some loss. 

Lincoln urged his march with the utmost celerity, and soon 
r.:}v.ip. lip. Pressing the insurgent arm3^ he endeavored by a suc- 
cession of rapid movements, in which the ardor of his troops tri- 
umphed over the severity of the season, to disperse, or to bring it 
to action. Their generals retreated from post to post, with a 
celerity which, for some time, eluded his designs ; and, rejecting 
every proposition to lay down their arms, used all their address to 
procure a suspension of hostilities until an accommodation might 
be negotiated with the legislature. " Applications were also made," 
says General Lincoln, " by committees and selectmen of the sev- 
eral towns in the counties of Worcester and Hampshire, praying 
that the effiasion of blood might be avoided, while the real design 
of these applications v/as supposed to be, to stay our operations 
until a new court should be elected. They had no doubt, if they 
could keep up their influence until another choice of the legislature 
and of the executive, that matters might be moulded in general 
court to their wishes. To avoid this was the duty of government." 
In answer to their applications, Lincoln exhorted those towns who 
sincerely wished to put an end to the rebellion, without the effij- 
sion of blood, " to recall their men now in arms, and to aid in 
apprehending all abettors of those who should persist in their trea- 
son, and all who should yield them any comfort or supplies." 

The army of the government continued to brave the rigors of 
the season, and to press the insurgents without intermission. At 
length, with the loss of a few killed, and several prisoners, the 

What rigorous measures were at length adopted towards the rebels of Mas- 
sachusetts ? Mention the military operations of General Lincoln, and the 
result. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 263 

rebels were dispersed, their leaders driven out of the state, and this 
formidable and wicked rebellion was quelled. 

The same love of country which had supported the officers and 
soldiers of the late army through a perilous war, still glowed in 
their bosoms ; and the patriot veterans of the revolution, uninfected 
by the wide-spreading contagion of the times, arranged themselves, 
almost universally, under the banners of the constitution and of the 
laws. 

The most important effect of this unprovoked rebellion, was a 
deep conviction of the necessity of enlarging the powers of the 
general government ; and the consequent direction of the public 
mind towards the convention which was to assemble at Phila- 
delphia. 

In producing this effect, a resolution of Congress had also con- 
siderable influence. 

New York, by giving her final veto to the impost system, had 
virtually decreed the dissolution of the existing government. The 
confederation was apparently expiring from mere debility. Con- 
gress was restrained from giving its sanction to the proposed con- 
vention, only by the apprehension that taking an interest in the 
measure would impede rather than promote it. That body was at 
length relieved from this embarrassment by the legislature of New 
York. A vote of that state, which passed in the senate by a ma- 
jority of only one voice, instructed its delegation to move a reso- 
lution in Congress, recommending to the several states to appoint 
deputies to meet in convention, for the purpose of revising and pro- 
posing amendments to the federal constitution. On the succeeding 
day, the 21st of February, 1787, it was declared, " in the opinion 
of Congress, to be expedient that, on the second Monday in May 
next, a convention of delegates, who shall have been appointed by 
the several states, be held at Philadelphia, for the sole and express 
purpose of revising the articles of confederation, and reporting to 
Congress, and the several legislatures, such alterations and provi- 
sions therein as shall, when agreed to in Congress, and confirmed 
by the states, render the federal constitution adequate to the exi- 
gencies of government, and the preservation of the Union." 

This recommendation removed all objections to the regularity 
of the convention ; and co-operated with the impressions made by 
the licentious and turbulent spirit which had lately endangered the 
peace and liberty of New England, to incline those states to favor 
the measure. By giving the proposed meeting a constitutional 
sanction, and b)^ postponing it to a day subsequent to that on which 
the Cincinnati were to assemble, it also removed one impediment, 

Did this insurrection serve to evince still more evidently the necessit}' of 
strengthening the hands of the national government ? Did Congress give its 
sanction to the proposed convention ? 



264 MARSHALL'S 

and diminished another, to the attendance of General Washington 
as a member. He persuaded himself, that by repairing to Phila- 
delphia previous to the second Monday in May, in order to attend 
the meeting of the Cincinnati, he should efface any unfavorable 
impressions which might be excited in the bosoms of his military 
iriends. On the 28th of March, he addressed a letter to the Go- 
vernor of Virginia, declaring his purpose to attend the convention, 
provided the executive had not turned their thoughts to some other 
person. 

At the time and place appointed, the representatives of twelve 
states convened. Rhode Island alone refused to send deputies. 
Having unanimously chosen General Washington for their Pre- 
sident, the convention proceeded, with closed doors, to discuss 
the interesting and extensive subject submitted to their con- 
sideration. 

More than once, there was reason to fear that the rich harvest 
of national felicity which had been anticipated from the ample 
stock of worth collected in convention, would be blasted by the 
rising of that body, without effecting the object for which it was 
formed. At length, the importance attached to union triumphea 
over local interests ; and, on the 17th of September, that consti- 
tution, which has been alike the theme of panegyric and invective^ 
was presented to the American public. 

The instrument, with its accompanying resolutions, was, by 
the unanimous order of the convention, transmitted to Congress, 
in a letter subscribed by the President, in which it was said to be 
" the result of a spirit of amity, and of that mutual deference and 
concession, which the peculiarity of their political situation rendered 
indispensable." 

Congress resolved, unanimously, that the report, with the letter 
accompanying it, be transmitted to the several legislatures, in order 
to be submitted to a convention of delegates chosen in each state, 
by the people thereof. 

Neither the intrinsic merits of the constitution, nor the imposing 
weight of character by which it was supported, gave assurance 
that it would be adopted. Its friends and its enemies were stimu- 
lated to exertion by motives equally powerful ; and, during the 
interval between its publication and adoption, every faculty of the 
mind was strained to secure its reception or rejection. The press 
teemed with the productions of genius, of temperate reason, and 
of passion. 

To decide the interesting question which agitated a continent, 
the best talents of the several states were assembled in their seve- 

When the convention met, who was appointed their President? When 
was the constitution presented to the nation ? Did the subject give rise to 
much debate and controversy ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 265 

ral conventions. So balanced were parties in some of them, that 
even after the subject had been discussed for a considerable time, 
the fate of the constitution could scarcely be conjectured ; and so 
small, in many instances, was the majority in its favor, as to af- 
ford strong ground for the opinion, that had the influence of cha- 
racter been removed, the intrinsic merits of the instrument woula 
not have secured its adoption. 

At length, the convention of eleven states assented to, and rati 
fied the constitution ; and the preparatory .measures were taken 
for carrying it into operation. 

The attention of all was directed to General Washington, as 
the first President of the United States. He alone possessed so 
entirely the confidence of the people, that under his auspices, the 
friends of the government might hope to see it introduced, with a 
degree of firmness which would enable it to resist the open assaults 
and secret plots of its numerous adversaries. Fears were enter- 
tained, by all who knew him, that his fondness for private life 
would prevail over the wishes of the public ; and, soon after the 
adoption of the constitution was ascertained, its friends began to 
press him on a point which was believed to be essential to the 
great work on which the grandeur and happiness of America was 
supposed to depend. The interesting correspondence of the time 
evinces with how much difficulty he yielded to the very earnest 
representations and arguments of the friends of a government 
which might preserve the Union. 

Afler the elections had taken place, a general persuasion pre- 
vailed, that the public will, respecting the chief magistrate of the 
Union, had been too unequivocally manifested not to be obeyed ; 
and several applications were made to General Washington for 
those offices in the respective states which would be in the gift of 
the President of the United States. The following extract from 
one of the many letters written to persons whose pretensions he 
was disposed to favor, speaks the frame of mind with which he 
came into the government. " Should it become absolutely neces- 
sary for me to occupy the station in which your letter presupposes 
me, I have determined to go into it perfectly free from all en- 
gagements, of every nature whatsoever. A conduct in conformity 
to this resolution, would enable me, in balancing the various pre- 
tensions of different candidates for appointments, to act with a solo 
reference to justice and the public good. This is, in substance, 
the answer that I have given to all applications (and they are not 
a few) which have already been made." 

The impotence of the late government, added to the dilatori- 

Was the new constitution at length adopted ? To whom were all eyes 
turned, as the first American President? What were the principles whicii 
guided Washington in selecting the public officers ? 
23 



^QQ MARSHALL'S 

Jiess inseparable from its perplexed mode of proceeding, had pro- 
duced such habitual disregard of punctuality in the attendance 
of members, that although the new government was to commence 
its operations on the 4th of March, 1789, a House of Repre- 
sentatives was not formed until the 1st, nor a Senate until the 
6th day of April. 

At length the votes for President and Vice-President of the 
United States were opened and counted in the Senate. Neither 
the animosity of parties, nor the preponderance of the enemies of 
the new government in some of the states, could deprive General 
Washington of a single vote. By the unanimous voice of the 
people, he was called to the chief magistracy of the nation. The 
second number of votes was given to Mr. John Adams. George 
Washington and John Adams were therefore declared to be duly 
elected President and Vice-President of the United States, to serve 
for four years, from the 4th day of March, 1789. 



CHAPTER XXVn. 

Tlie election of General Washington officially announced to him.— He proceeds to the 
seat of government. — Marks of affection shown him on his journey. — His inaugura- 
tion.— His system of intercourse with the world.— Answers of both houses of Congress 
to his speech. — Domestic and foreign relations of the United States. — Debates iu 
Congress. — Amendments to the constitution. — Appointments to office. — Adjourn- 
ment of Congress.— The President visits New England.— North Carolina adopts the 
constitution. 

The election of General Washington to the office of chief ma- 
gistrate of the United States, was announced to him at Mount 
Vernon, on the 14th of April, 1789. Accustomed to respect the 
wishes of his fellow-citizens, he did not think himself at liberty to 
decline an appointment conferred upon him by the suffrage of an 
entire people. 

As the public business required the immediate attendance of the 
President at the seat of government, he hastened his departure ; 
and, on the second day after receiving notice of his appointment, 
took leave of Mount Vernon. 

In an entry made in his diary, the feelings of the occasion are 
thus described. " About ten o'clock I bade adieu to Mount Ver- 
non, to private life, and to domestic felicity ; and, with a mind 
oppressed with more anxious and painful sensations than I have 
words to express, set out for New York in company with Mr. 
Thompson and Colonel Humphries, with the best dispositions to 

Who was elected chief magistrate of the Union, by an unanimous vote ? 
Did Washington accept the appointment ? What were his feelings on leaving 
Mount Vernon ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 267 

render service to my country in obedience to its call, but with less 
hope of answering its expectations." 

Throughout his journey the people continued to manifest the 
ardent and respectful affection which animated almost every bosom. 
Crowds flocked around him wherever he stopped ; and corps of 
militia, and companies of the most respectable citizens escorted 
him through their respective states. 

At Philadelphia, and at Trenton, he was received with peculia 
splendor, and in a manner calculated to excite the deepest interest. 
At Brunswick, he was joined by the Governor of New Jersey, who 
accompanied him to Elizabethtown Point. A committee of Con- 
gress received him on the road, and conducted him with military 
parade to the Point, where he took leave of the Governor and other 
gentlemen of Jersey, and embarked for New York in an elegant 
barge of thirteen oars, manned by thirteen branch pilots, prepared 
for the purpose by the citizens of New York. 

" The display of boats," says the General in his private jour- 
nal, " which attended and joined on this occasion, some with vocal 
and others with instrumental music on board, the decorations of 
the ships, the roar of cannon, and the loud acclamations of the 
people which rent the sky as 1 passed along the wharves, filled 
my mind with sensations as painful (contemplating the reverse of 
this scene which may be the case after all my labors to do good) 
as they were pleasing." 

At the stairs on Murray's wharf, he was received by the Go- 
vernor of New York, and conducted with military honors through 
an immense concourse of people, to the apartments provided for 
him. These were attended by all who were in office, and by many 
private citizens of distinction. 

It is no equivocal mark of the worth of Washington, and of 
the soundness of his judgment, that it could neither be corrupted 
nor misguided by these flattering testimonials of attachment. 

A President of the United States being a new political person- 
age, to a great portion of whose time the public was entitled, it was 
obviously proper to digest a system of conduct to be observed in 
his intercourse with the world, which would keep in view the du- 
ties of his station, without entirely disregarding his personal ac- 
commodation, or the course of public opinion. After consulting 
those most capable of advising on the subject, some rules were 
framed by General Washington for his government in these re- 
spects. As one of them, the allotment of a particular hour for 
receiving visits not on business, became the subject of much ani- 
madversion, and has constituted not the least important of the 

At what places was Washington received with enthusiastic applause? 
How. was he honored, on approaching- and entering the city of New York ? 
Did he frame rules for his conduct as President ? 



268 MARSHALL'S 

charges made against his administration, the motives assigned by 
himself for the rule, may not be unworthy of attention. 

Not long after the government came into operation, a gentleman 
nearly connected with the President, addressed to him a letter 
stating the accusations which were commonly circulating in Vir- 
ginia on various subjects ; and especially on the regal manners of 
those who administered the affairs of the nation. 

In answer to this letter, the President observed, " while the eyes 
of America, perhaps of the world, are turned to this government, 
and many are watching the movements of all those who are con- 
cerned in its administration, I should like to be informed through 
so good a medium, of the public opinion of both men and mea- 
sures, and of none more than myself; — not so much of what may 
be thought commendable parts, if any, of my conduct, as of those 
which are conceived to be of a difierent complexion." 

After some other general observations, the letter adds, " this 
leads me to think that a system which I found it indispensably ne- 
cessary to adopt upon my first coming to this city might have 
undergone severe strictures, and have had motives very foreign 
from those that governed me, assigned as causes thereof. I mean 
first, returning no visits ; second, appointing certain days to receive" 
them generally, not to the exclusion however of visits on any other 
days under particular circumstances." After stating a third rule, 
he added " a few days evinced the necessity of the two first in so 
clear a point of view that, had I not adopted it, I should have 
been unable to attend to any sort of business, unless I had applied 
the hours allotted to rest and refreshment, to this purpose ; for, by 
the time I had done breakfast, and thence until dinner, and after- 
wards until bed-time, I could not get relieved from the ceremony 
of one visit before I had to attend to another. In a word, I had 
no leisure to read or to answer the dispatches that were pouring in 
upon me from all quarters." 

The ceremonies of the inauguration having been adjusted by 
Congress, the President attended in the Senate chamber, on the 
30th of April, in order to take the oath prescribed by the consti- 
tution, in the presence of both houses. 

To gratify the public curiosity, an open gallery adjoining the 
Senate chamber had been selected as the place in which the oath 
should be administered. Having taken it in the view of an im- 
mense concourse of people, whose loud and repeated acclamations 
attested the joy with which the occasion inspired them, he returned 
to the Senate chamber, where he delivered the first address ever 
made by a President to a Congress of the United States. 

For what cogent reasons was Washington compelled to allot certain times 
to receive visitors ? When did his inauguration as President take place ? 
Describe the attendant ceremonies. 



I 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 2G9 

In their answer to his speech the Senate say, " the unanimous 
suffrage of the elective body in your favor is pecuHarly expressive 
of the gratitude, confidence and affection of the citizens of Ame- 
rica, and is the highest testimonial at once of your merit and their 
esteem. We are sensible, sir, that nothing but the voice of your 
fellow-citizens could have called you from a retreat, chosen with 
the fondest predilection, endeared by habit, and consecrated to the 
repose of declining years. We rejoice, and with us all America, 
that, in obedience to the call of our common country, you have 
returned once more to public hfe. In you, all parties confide ; in 
you, all interests unite, and we have no doubt that your past ser- 
vices, great as they have been, will be equalled by your future ex- 
ertions ; and that your prudence and sagacity as a statesman will 
tend to avert the dangers to which we were exposed, to give sta- 
bility to the present government, and dignity and splendor to that 
country, which your skill and valor as a soldier, so eminently 
contributed to raise to independence and to empire." 

The answer of the House of Representatives glowed with equal 
affection for the person and character of the President. 

" The representatives of the people of the United States," says 
this address, " present their congratulations on the event by which 
your fellow-citizens have attested the pre-eminence of your merit. 
You have long held the first place in their esteem. You have 
often received tokens of their affection. You now possess the only 
proof that remained of their gratitude for your services, of their 
reverence for your wisdom, and of their confidence in your vir- 
tues. You enjoy the highest because the truest honor, of being 
the first magistrate, by the unanimous choice of the freest people 
on the face of the earth." 

A perfect knowledge of the antecedent state of things being 
essential to a due administration of the executive department, its 
attainment engaged the immediate attention of the President ; and 
he required the temporary heads of departments to prepare and 
lay before him such statements and documents as would give this 
information. 

His attention was attracted to the West, by discontents which 
were expressed with some violence, and which originated in cir- 
cumstances and interests peculiar to that country. 

Spain, in possession of the mouth of the Mississippi, had refused 
to permit the citizens of the United States to follow its waters into 
the ocean ; and had occasionally tolerated or interdicted their com- 
merce to New Orleans, as had been suggested by interest or ca- 
price. The eyes of the inhabitants adjacent to the waters of that 

State the substance of the address of the two houses to General Washing- 
ton. What were the feelings of the people in the West, respecting the free 
navigation of the Mississippi river ? 
23* 



270 MARSHALL'S 

river, were turned down it, as the only channel through which the 
surplus produce of their luxurious soil could be conveyed to the 
markets of the world ; and they had given some evidence of a 
disposition to drop from the confederacy, if this valuable acquisi- 
tion could not be otherwise made. 

The President had received intelligence, previous to his departure 
from Mount Vernon, of private machinations, by real or pretende 
agents, both of Spain and Great Britain. 

Spain had intimated that the navigation of the Mississippi coul 
never be conceded, while the inhabitants of the western country 
remained connected with the Atlantic states, but might be freely 
granted to them, if they should form an independent empire. 

On the other hand, a gentleman from Canada, whose ostensible 
business was the recovery of some lands formerly granted to him 
on the Ohio, frequently discussed the vital importance of the navi- 
gation of the Mississippi, and privately assured several individuals 
of great influence that, if they were disposed to assert their rights, 
he was authorized by the Governor of Canada to assure them that 
they might rely confidently on his assistance. 

In contemplating the situation of the United States, no subject 
demanded more immediate attention than the hostility of the In- 
dian tribes. The nations between the lakes, the Mississippi and 
the Ohio, could bring five thousand men into the field. Of these, 
about fifteen hundred were at war with the United States. Treaties 
had been concluded with the residue ; but there was cause for the 
apprehension that these treaties would soon be broken. 

In the South, the Creeks, whose force amounted to six thousand 
fighting men, were at war with Georgia. The subject of contest 
was a tract of land on the Oconee, which Georgia claimed under 
a purchase, the validity of which was denied by the Indians. 

The army of the United States was less than six hundred men. 
Not only the policy of accommodating diiferences by negotiation, 
which the government was in no condition to terminate by the 
sword, but a real respect for the rights of the natives, disposed the 
President to endeavor, in the first instance, to remove every cause 
of quarrel by treaty. 

The United States had formed a treaty with the Emperor of 
Morocco, but had been unable to purchase peace from Algierr, 
Tunis, or Tripoli; and those regencies considered all as enemies 
to whom they had not sold their friendship. The unprotected ves- 
sels of America presented a tempting object to their rapacity ; and 
their hostility was the more terrible, because, by their public law, 
prisoners become slaves. 

What were the numbers and dispositions of the Indians ? What was the 
entire force of the American army ? What were the relations of the United 
States with the piratical powers in the Mediterranean ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 271 

The United States were at peace with all the powers of Europe; 
but controversies of a delicate nature existed with some of them. 

The attempt to form a treaty with Spain had been ineffectual. 
Ilis Catholic Majesty adhered inflexibly to the exclusion of the 
citizens of the United States from the navigation of the Mississippi 
below their southern boundary. The violence with which the dis- 
contents of the western people were expressed, furnished Spain 
with additional motives for perpetuating the evil of which they 
complained. A contest respecting boundary also existed with the 
same power. The treaty of peace had extended the limits of the 
United States down the Mississippi to the thirty-first degree of 
north latitude ; but the pretensions of the Catholic King were car- 
ried north of that line to an undefined extent. He claimed as far 
as he had conquered from Britain ; but the precise limits of his 
conquest were not ascertained. 

The difference with Great Britain was still more serious, because 
a temper unfavorable to accommodation had been uniformly dis- 
played. The resentments growing out of the war were not ter- 
minated with their cause. The idea that Great Britain was the 
natural enemy of America had become habitual. 

The general restrictions on commerce, by which every maritime 
power sought to promote its own navigation, and that part of the 
European system, in particular, by which each aimed at a mo- 
nopoly of the trade of its colonies, were felt with peculiar keen- 
ness when enforced by England. The people of America were 
the more sensible to the British regulations on this subject, be- 
cause, having composed a part of that empire, they had grown up 
in the habit of a free intercourse with all its ports. 

The failure of an attempt to form a commercial treaty with Por- 
tugal, was attributed to the influence of the cabinet of London. 
The depredations of the Barbary corsairs, and the bloody incur- 
sions of the Indians, were also ascribed to the machinations of 
the same power. 

With France, the most perfect harmony subsisted. Those at- 
tachments which originated in the signal services received from 
his Most Christian Majesty during the war of the revolution, had 
sustained no diminution ; and a disposition was felt extensively to 
enable the merchants of that nation, by legislative encouragements, 
to compete with those of Britain in the American market. 

A great revolution had commenced in that country, the first 
stage of which was completed by limiting the powers of the mo- 
narch, and by establishing a popular assembly. In no part of the 
globe was this revolution hailed with more joy than in America. 

What difficulties occurred with Spain, and with Great Britain ? What 
was the feeling of America towards France ? Mention the first stage of the 
great revolution which was commencing in the latter nation. 



272 MARSHALL'S 

Its ulterior effects were not distinctly foreseen, and but one senti- 
ment existed respecting it. 

The relations of the United States with the other powers of Eu- 
rope, were rather friendly than otherwise. 

The subjects which pressed for immediate attention on the first 
legislature, were numerous and important. Much was to be cre- 
ated, and much to be reformed. 

The qualification of the members was succeeded by a motion 
for the House to resolve itself into a committee of the whole on the 
state of the Union, in which Mr. Madison moved a resolution, de- 
claring that certain duties ought to be levied on goods, wares, and 
merchandise imported into the United States ; and on the tonnage 
of vessels. He presented a scheme of impost, by which specific 
duties W'Cre imposed on certain enumerated articles ; and an ad 
valorem duty on those not enumerated ; to which he added a gen- 
eral proposition for a duty on tonnage. In proceeding to fill up 
the blanks with the sum taxable on each article, great contrariety 
of opinion prevailed. The taxes proposed were believed to press 
unequally on the states ; and apprehensions were expressed that, 
in the form of protecting duties, the industry of one part of the 
Union would be encouraged by premiums charged on the labor of 
another part. On the discrimination between the duty on the ton- 
nage on foreign and American bottoms, a great degree of sensi- 
bility was discovered. It was said that the increased tonnage on 
foreign bottoms operated as a tax on agriculture, and a premium 
to navigation. This discrimination, therefore, ought to be very 
small. These arguments were answered with great ability by Mr. 
Madison. 

No part of the system was discussed with more animation than 
that wiiich proposed to favor those nations with whom the United 
States had formed commercial treaties. In the debate on this 
subject, opinions and feelings were disclosed, which, strengthening 
with circumstances, afterwards agitated every part of the Union. 

At length, the bills passed the House of Representatives, and 
were carried to the senate, where they were amended, by expung- 
ing the discrimination made in favor of the tonnage and distilled 
spirits of those nations with which commercial treaties had been 
formed. These amendments were disagreed to ; and each house 
insisting on its opinion, a conference took place; after which, the 
point was reluctantly yielded by the House of Representatives. 

This debate was succeeded by one on the question in what 
manner the high officers who filled the executive departments 
should be removable. In a committee of the whole House, on the 

What was tlie first business of Congress ? What argument was used 
against discriminating duties on American and foreign vessels ? Did tlie 
two Houses differ, and at last concur ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 273 

bill " to establish an executive department, to be denominated the 
department of foreign afiairs," Mr. White moved to strike out the 
clause which declared the secretary to be removable by the Presi- 
dent. The power of removal, where no express provision existed, 
was, he said, in the nature of things, incidental to that of appoint- 
ment ; and, as the Senate was associated with the President in 
making appointments, that body must, in the same degree, parti 
cipate in removing from office. 

The amendment was opposed by arguments drawn from the 
constitution, and from general convenience. The friends of the 
original bill relied especially on that part of the constitution which 
vests the executive power in the President. No power, it was 
said, could be more completely executive in its nature, than that 
of removal from office. 

Afler an ardent discussion, which consumed several days, the 
committee divided ; and the amendment was negatived. But the 
express grant of the power rather implied a right in the legislature 
to give or to withhold it at discretion. To obviate any misunder- 
standing of the principle, a motion was made in the House to 
amend the clause, so as to imply clearly that the power of remo- 
val resided solely in the President ; after which, the whole was 
stricken out ; thus leaving the President to exercise the power as 
a constitutional privilege. As the bill became a law, it has ever 
been considered as a full expression of the sense of the legislature, 
on this important part of the American constitution. 

The bill to establish the treasury department contained a clause 
making it the duty of the secretary, " to digest and report plans 
for the improvement and management of the revenue, and for the 
support of public credit." This clause encountered serious oppo- 
sition. After a very animated discussion, the motion to strike it 
out was rejected. 

Among the interesting points which were settled in the first 
Congress, was the question by what style the President and Vice- 
President should be addressed. Mr. Benson, from a committeG 
appointed to confer with a committee of the Senate on the subject, 
reported, " that it is not proper to annex any style or title to the 
respective styles or titles of office expressed in the constitution ;" 
and this report was agreed to in the House of Representatives. In 
the senate, it was disapproved. A committee of conference not 
being able to agree, the subject was permitted to rest ; and tho 
Senate, conforming to the precedent given by the House of Repre- 
sentatives, addressed the President, in their answer to his speech, 
by the terms used in the constitution. 

What arguments were used in relation to the power of the President to 
dismiss from office ? What was decided on this point? What other matters 
were discussed in Congress ? 



274 M A R S H A L L'S 

Wliiie the representatives were preparing bills for organizing 
the great executive departments, the senate was occupied with di- 
gesting the system of a national judiciary. This complex and 
extensive subject was taken up in the commencement of the ses- 
sion, and was completed towards its close. 

In the course of the session, Mr. Madison brought forward a 
proposition for recommending to the consideration and adoption of 
the states, several articles to be added to the constitution. 

To conciliate the affection of their brethren to the government 
was an object greatly desired by its friends. Disposed to respect 
what they deemed the errors of their opponents, when that respect 
could be manifested without a sacrifice of essential principles, they 
were anxious to annex to the constitution, those explanations and 
barriers against the possible encroachments of rulers on the liber- 
tics of the people, which had been loudly demanded, however un- 
founded, in their judgments, the fears by which those demands 
were suggested might be. Among the most zealous friends of the 
constitution, were found the first and warmest advocates for amend- 
ments. 

The government being completely organized, and a system of 
revenue established, the important duty of filling the offices which 
had been created, remained to be performed. In the execution of 
this delicate trust, the purest virtue and the most impartial judg- 
ment were exercised in selecting the best talents, and the greatest 
weight of character, which the United States could furnish. 

At the head of the department of foreign affairs, since denomi- 
nated the Department of State, the President placed Mr. Jefferson. 

This gentleman had been a distinguished member of the second 
Congress, and had been offered a diplomatic appointment, which 
he declined. On withdrawing from the administration of conti- 
nental affairs, he had been elected Governor of Virginia, which 
office he filled for two years. He afterwards again represented his 
native state in the government of the Union ; and, in the year 
1784, was appointed to succeed Dr. Franklin at the court of Ver- 
sailles. In that situation, he had acquitted himself much to the 
public satisfaction. His Notes on Virginia, which were read with 
applause, were believed to evince sound political opinions ; and 
the declaration of independence was universally ascribed to his 
pen. He had been long placed by America among the most emi- 
nent of her citizens, and had long been classed by the President 
with those who were most capable of serving the nation. Having 
obtained permission to return for a short time to the United States, 
he was, while on his passage, nominated to this important office ; 

After the organization of the government and a system of revenue, what 
duty remained to be performed ? What is said respecting Mr. Jefferson ? 
What office was conferred upon him by Washington ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 275 

and, on his arrival in Virginia, found a letter from the President, 
giving him the option of becoming the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, 
or of retaining his station at the court of Versailles. In changing 
his situation, he appears to have consulted the wishes of the Chief 
Magistrate, more than the preference of his own mind. 

The task of restoring public credit, of drawing order and ar- 
rangement from the chaotic confusion in which the finances of 
America were involved, and of devising means which should pro- 
duce revenue in a manner least burdensome to the people, was 
justly classed among the most arduous of the duties which were 
devolved on the new government. In discharging it, much aid 
was expected from the head of the treasury. This important, and 
at that time intricate department, was assigned to Colonel Ham- 
ilton. 

This gentleman, with all the enthusiasm of youth, engaged first 
his pen, and afterwards his sword, in the stern contest between 
the American colonies and their parent state. Among the first 
troops raised by New York, was a corps of artillery, in which he 
was appointed a captain. Soon after the war was transferred to 
the Hudson, his superior endowments recommended him to the 
commander-in-chief, into whose family, before completing his 
twenty-first year, he was invited to enter. Equally brave and in- 
telligent, he continued to display, in this situation, a degree of 
firmness and capacity, which commanded the confidence and 
esteem of his general, and of the principal officers of the army. 

After the capitulation of Yorktown, the war languished through- 
out America ; and the probability that its termination was approach- 
ing, daily increased. 

The critical circumstances of the existing government gave a 
deep interest to the events of the civil government ; and Colonel 
Hamilton accepted a seat in the Congress of the United States. 
He was greatly distinguished amongst those eminent men whom 
the crisis had attracted to the councils of their country. He had 
afterwards been active in promoting those measures which led 
to the convention in Philadelphia, of which he was a member, and 
had contributed greatly to the adoption of the constitution by the 
state of New York. In the pre-eminent part«-he had performed, 
both in the military and civil transactions of his country, he had 
acquired a great degree of well-merited fame ; and the frankness 
of his manners, the openness of his temper, the warmth of his 
feelings, and the sincerity of his heart, had secured him many 
valuable friends. 

The department of war was already filled by General Knox, 
and he was again nominated to it. 

Who was stationed at the head of the Treasury ? Sketch the previous ca- 
reer of Hamilton. To whom was assigned the War Department ? 



276 MARSHALL'S 

Throughout the contest of the revolution, this officer had con- 
tinued at the head of the American artillery. In this important 
station, he had maintained a high military character ; and, on the 
resignation of General Lincoln, had heen appointed secretary of 
war. To his past services, and to unquestionable integrity, he 
was admitted to unite a sound understanding; and the public 
judgment, as well as that of the chief magistrate, pronounced 
him to be competent in all respects to the station he occupied. 

The office of attorney -general was fdled by Mr. Edmund Ran- 
dolph. To a distinguished reputation in his profession, this gen- 
tleman added a considerable degree of political eminence. After 
having been for several years the attorney-general of Virginia, he 
had been elected its Governor. While in this office, he was chosen 
a member of the convention which framed the constitution, and 
also of that by which it was adopted. After having served the 
term permitted by the constitution in the executive of the state, he 
entered into its legislature, where he preserved a great share of 
influence. 

Such was the first cabinet council. In its composition, public 
opinion as well as intrinsic worth had been consulted, and a high 
degree of character had been combined with real talent. 

In the selection of persons for high judicial offices, the President 
was guided by the same principles. At the head of this depart- 
ment he placed Mr. John Jay. 

From the commencement of the revolution, this gentleman had 
filled a large space in the public mind. Remaining without inter- 
mission in the service of his country, he had passed through a 
succession of high offices, and, in all of them had merited the 
approbation of his fellow-citizens. To his pen, while in Congress, 
America was indebted for some of those masterly addresses which 
reflected most honor upon the government ; and to his firmness 
and penetration, the happy issue of those intricate negotiations 
which terminated the war was, in no small degree, to be ascribed. 
On returning to the United States, he had been appointed secre- 
tary of foreign affairs, in which station he had displayed his ac- 
customed ability. A sound judgment improved by extensive 
reading and great knowledge of public affairs, unyielding firm- 
ness, and inflexible integrity, were qualities of which Mr. Jay had 
given frequent and signal proofs. Although withdrawn for some 
years from that profession to which he was bred, the acquisitions 
of his early life had not been lost, and the subjects on which his 
mind had been exercised were not entirely foreign from those 
which would, in the first instance, employ the courts in which he 
was to preside. 

Who was made attorney-general ? Mention his previous services ? Wl?ut 
station was occupied by Mr. Jay ? Mention his merits ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON 277 

John Rutledge of South Carohna, John Wilson of Pennsylva- 
nia, WiUiam Gushing of Massachusetts, Robert Harrison of Mary- 
land, and John Blair of Virginia, were appointed associate justices. 
Some of those gentlemen had filled the highest law offices in their 
respective states ; and all of them had received distinguished 
marks of the public confidence. 

In the systems of the several states, offices corresponding to 
those created by the revenue laws of Congress, had been estab- 
lished. Uninfluenced by considerations of personal regard, the 
President could not be induced to change men whom he found in 
place, if worthy of being employed. In deciding between can- 
didates for vacant offices, if an equality of fitness existed, former 
merits and sufferings in the service of the public, gave claims to 
preference which could not be overlooked. 

In the legislature as well as the executive and judicial depart- 
ments, great respectability of character was also associated with 
an eminent degree of talent. Impelled by an anxious solicitude 
respecting the first measures of the government, its zealous friends 
had pressed into its service ; and men were found in both branches 
of the legislature, who possessed the fairest claims to public con- 
fidence. 

The Vice-President of the United States, though not a member 
of the legislature, was classed, in the public estimation, with that 
department. Mr. John Adams was one of the earliest and most 
ardent friends of the revolution. Bred to the bar, he had neces- 
sarily studied the constitution of his country, and was among the 
most determined asserters of its rights. Active in guiding that 
high spirit which animated all New England, he became a mem- 
ber of the Congress of 1774, and was among the first who dared 
to avow sentiments in favor of independence. He soon attained 
eminence in that body, and was chosen one of the commissioners 
to whom the interests of the United States in Europe were con- 
fided. In his diplomatic character, he had contributed greatly to 
those measures which drew Holland into the war ; had negotiated 
the treaty with the Dutch republic, and had, at critical points of 
time, obtained loans which were of great advantage to his country. 
In the negotiations which terminated the war, he had also rendered 
important services ; and, after the ratification of the treaty of 
peace, had been deputed to Great Britain for the purpose of effect- 
ing commercial arrangements with that nation. 

As a statesman, this gentleman had always ranked high in the 
estimation of his countrymen. He had improved a sound under- 
standing by extensive political and historical reading ; and perhaps 

Mention the names of the associate judges. In making a selection from 
applicants for office, what considerations guided the President ? Narrate 
briefly the character and services of John Adams. 
24 



278 MARSHALL'S 

no American had reflected more profoundly on the science of go- 
vernment. The exalted opinion he entertained of his own country 
was flattering to his fellow-citizens ; and the purity of his mind, 
the unblemished integrity of a Hfe spent in the public service, had 
gained their confidence. 

A government supported in all its departments by so much cha- 
racter and talent, at the head of which was placed a man whose 
capacity was undoubted, whose life had given one great and con- 
tinued lesson of patriotism, and for whom almost every bosom 
glowed with an attachment bordering on enthusiasm, could not 
fail to make a rapid progress in conciliating the aflection of the 
people. 

Towards the close of the session, a petition which had been 
presented by the creditors of the public residing in Pennsylvania 
was taken up by the House of Representatives, and two resolutions 
were passed ; the one declaring " that the house considered an ade- 
quate provision for the support of the public credit, as a matter of 
high importance to the national honor and prosperity ;" and the 
other directing " the secretary of the treasury to prepare a plan for 
that purpose, and to report the same to the house at its next 
meeting." 

On the 29th of September, Congress adjourned to the first Mon- 
day in the succeeding January. 

Anxious to visit New England, to observe in person the condi- 
tion of the country, and the dispositions of the people towards the 
government and its measures, the President determined to avail 
himself of the short respite from ofiicial duties afforded by the re- 
cess of Congress, to make a tour through the eastern states. He 
left New York on the 15th of October; and, passing through Con- 
necticut and Massachusetts, proceeded as far as Portsmouth in 
New Hampshire. From that place he returned by a different route 
to the seat of government, where he arrived on the 13th of 
November. 

The reappearance of their General in the high station he now 
filled, renewed the recollection of the perilous transactions of the 
war ; and the reception universally given to him attested the una- 
bated love which was felt for his person and character, and indi- 
cated unequivocally the growing popularity, at least in that part of 
the Union, of the government he administered. 

Soon after his return to New York, the President w\is informed 
of the failure of his first attempt to negotiate a treaty with the 
Creeks. Some difficulties arose on the subject of boundary ; but 
the principal obstacles to a peace were supposed to grow out of the 

What resolutions, touching the public debt, were passed by Congress? Men- 
tion a tour made by Washington. Was he well received by the people ? 
jMcution the failure in treating with the Creeks. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. ' 279 

personal interests of Mr. Gillivray, their chief, and his connexions 
with Spain. 

This information was more than counterbalanced by the intel- 
ligence from North Carolina. A second convention had met under 
the authority of the legislature of that state, in the month of No- 
vember, and had adopted the constitution by a great majority. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Meeting of Congress.— President's speech.— Report of the Secretary of the Treasury.— 
Debate thereon.— Bill for fixing the seat of government.— Adjournment of Congress. 
— Treaty with the Creek Indians. — Relations of the United States with Great Bri- 
tain and Spain. — Constitution adopted by Rhode Island.— Congress meets at Phila- 
delphia.— Speech of the President.— Debates on the excise.— On the bank.— Division 
in the cabinet on the law.— Defeat of Harmer.— Adjournment of Congress. 

On the 8th of January, 1790, the President met both Houses 
of Congress in the Senate chamber. 

In his speech, which was delivered from the chair of the Vice- 
President, after congratulating Congress on the adoption of the 
constitution by the important state of North Carolina, and on the 
prosperous aspect of American affairs, he proceeded to recommend 
certain great objects of legislation to their more especial consider- 
ation. A provision for the common defence merited, he said, their 
particular regard. " To be prepared for war," he added, " is one 
of the most effectual means of preserving peace. 

" A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined ; to 
which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite ; and their 
safety and interest require that they should promote such manu- 
factories as tend to' render them independent on others for essen- 
tial, particularly for military supplies." 

He suggested the propriety of providing the means of keeping 
up their intercourse with foreign nations, and the expediency of 
establishing a uniform rule of naturalization. 

Afler expressing his confidence in their attention to many im- 
provements essential to the prosperity of the interior, he recom- 
mended the promotion of science and literature to their patronage. 
" Knowledge," he added, " is, in every country, the surest basis 
of public happiness. In one in which the measures of govern- 
ment receive their impression so immediately from the sense of 
the community as in ours, it is proportionably essential." 

" Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by afford- 
ing aids to seminaries of learning already established, by the in- 

When did Congress meet ? Mention the principal topics of the President's 
speech to both Houses. What, in particular, was the tendency of his remarks 
upon the subject of national defence ? 



280 MARSHALL'S 

stitution of a national university, or by other expedients, will b« 
well worthy of a place in the deliberations of the legislature." 

The answers of both Houses indicated the harmony which ex- 
isted between the executive and legislative departments. 

Early in January, the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, 
containing a plan for the support of public credit, prepared in obe- 
dience to the resolution of the 21st of September, 1789, was laid 
before Congress. 

" It was agreed," he said, " by all, that the foreign debt should 
be provided for, according to the precise terms of the contract. It 
was to be regretted that, with respect to the domestic debt, the 
same unanimity of sentiment did not prevail." 

The first point on which the public appeared to be divided, was 
the question " whether a discrimination ought to be made between 
original holders of the public securities, and present possessors by 
purchase." He supported, with great strength of argument, the 
opinion against this discrimination. 

He next proceeded to the question, whether any difference ought 
to remain between the creditors of the Union and those of individ- 
ual states. He was earnestly opposed to this difference. " Both 
descriptions of debt were contracted for the same objects, and were 
in the main the same." Equity required " the same measure of 
retribution for all. There were many reasons," some of which 
were stated, " for believing this would not be the case, unless the 
state debts should be assumed by the nation." 

After an elaborate discussion of these and some other points 
connected with the subject, the secretary proposed that a loan 
should be opened to the full amount of the debt, as w^ell of the par- 
ticular states as of the Union. 

To enable the treasury to support this increasecl demand upon 
it. an augmentation of the duties on imported wines, spirits, tea, 
and coffee, was proposed ; and a duty on home-made spirits was 
also recommended. 

This celebrated report, which has been alike the theme of extra- 
vagant praise and bitter censure, merits the more attention, be- 
cause the first systematic opposition to the principles on which the 
government was administered, originated in the measures which 
were founded on it. 

On the 8th of February, Mr. Fitzsimmons moved several reso- 
lutions affirmative of the principles contained in the report. To 
the first, which respected a provision for the foreign debt, the 
House agreed without a dissenting voice. The second, in favor of 
appropriating permanent funds for the payment of the interest on 

What was recommended by the Secretaiy of the Treasury, in relation to 
tlie foreign and domestic debt of the nation and the states? What did ho 
propose, to provide the necessary funds ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 281 

the domestic debt, and for the gradual redemption of the principal, 
gave rise to a very animated debate. 

Mr. Scott avowed the opinion that the United States were not 
bound to pay their domestic creditors the sums specified in their 
certificates of debt, because the original holders had parted with 
them at two shillings and six- pence in the pound. He therefore 
moved an amendment, requiring a resettlement of the debt. 

After this proposition had been negatived, Mr. Madison rose 
and, in an eloquent speech, proposed an amendment to the reso 
lution, the effect of which v/as to pay the present holder of assign- 
able paper the highest price it had borne in the market, and to 
give the residue to the original creditor. The debate was long, 
argumentative, and interesting. At length the question was put, 
and the amendment was rejected b}' a great majority. 

The succeeding resolution, affecting political interests and powers 
which are never to be approached without danger, seemed to un- 
chain all those fierce passions which a high respect for the go- 
vernment, and for those who administered it, had in a great mea- 
sure restrained. 

The debt incurred in support of the war, had been contracted 
partly by the continent and partly by the states. When the mea- 
sure of compensating the army for the depreciation of their pay 
became necessary, this burden, under the recommendation of Con- 
gress, was assumed 1^ the respective states. Some of them had 
funded this debt, and paid the interest upon it. Others had made 
no provision for the interest ; Jjut all, by taxes, paper-money, or 
purchase, had reduced the principal. 

The Secretary of the Treasury proposed to assume these debts; 
and to fund them in common with that which continued to be the 
debt of the Union. 

The resolution which comprehended this principle of the report, 
was vigorously opposed. Even its constitutionahty was questioned. 
But the argument which seemed to have most weight, was that 
which maintained that the general government would acquire an 
undue influence, and that the state governments would be annihi- 
lated by the measure. 

Afler a very animated discussion of several days, the resolution 
was carried by a small majority. Soon after this decision, while 
the subject was pending before the House, the delegates from North 
Carolina took their seats, and changed the strength of parties. 
The resolution was recommitted by a majority of two voices ; 
and, after a long and ardent debate, was negatived by the same 
majority. 

What was argued against the nation redeeming the debt in full ? What 
modification of Mr. Madison was rejected ? Mention the debate, and the 
decision, upon the question of funding the state debts, 
24* 



282 MARSHALL'S 

This proposition continued to be supported with a degree of 
earnestness which its opponents termed pertinacious, but not a 
single opinion was changed. It was brought forward in the less 
exceptionable form of assuming specific sums from each state. 
But this alteration produced no change of sentiment ; and the bill 
was sent to the Senate, with a provision for those creditors only, 
whose certificates of debt purported to be payable by the United 
States. 

In this state of things, the measure is understood to have derived 
aid from another, which was of a character strongly to interest 
particular parts of the Union. 

From June, 1783, when Congress was driven from Philadelphia, 
by the mutiny of a part of the Pennsylvania line, the necessity of 
selecting some place for the permanent residence of the govern- 
ment, in which it might protect itself from insult, had been gene- 
rally acknowledged. 

In September 1784, an ordinance had been passed for appoint- 
ing commissioners to purchase land on the Delaware in the neigh- 
borhood of the falls, and to erect the necessary buildings thereon ; 
but the southern interest had been sufficiently strong to arrest the 
execution of this ordinance by preventing an appropriation of 
funds, which required the assent of nine states. Under the exist- 
ing government, many different places from the Delaware to the 
Potomac inclusive, had been earnestly supported ; but a majority 
of both houses had not concurred in favor of any one place. At- 
tempts had been made with as little success to change the tempo- 
rary residence of Congress. At length a compact respecting the 
temporary and permanent seat of government was entered into 
between the friends of Philadelphia and the Potomac, stipulating 
that Congress should hold its sessions in Philadelphia for ten years, 
during which time buildings for the accommodation of government 
should be erected at some place on the Potomac to which the go- 
vernment should remove on the expiration of that time. This 
compact having united the representatives of Pennsylvania and 
Delaware with the friends of the Potomac, a majority was pro- 
duced in favor of both situations ; and a bill brought into the 
Senate in conformity with this arrangement, passed both Houses 
by small majorities. This act was immediately followed by an 
amendment to the bill for funding the public debt, similar to that 
which had been proposed unsuccessfully in the House of Repre- 
sentatives. 

When the question was taken in the House of Representatives 
on this amendment, two members representing districts on the Po- 

Did the majority of Congress incline against adopting the debt of the 
states? What other question operated to change the vote, so as to procure 
the passage of a bill assuming the state obligations ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 283 

tomac, who had voted against the assumption, declared themselves 
in its favor, and thus the majority was changed. 

This measure has constituted one of the great grounds of accu- 
sation against the administration of Washington. It is fair to 
acknowledge that, though, in its progress, it derived no aid from 
the President, it received the full approbation of his judgment. 

A bill at length passed both houses, funding the debt on princi- 
ples which lessened the weight of the public burden, and was 
entirely satisfactory to the public creditors. 

The effects produced by giving the debt a permanent value jus- 
tified the predictions of the most sanguine. The sudden increase 
of moneyed capital derived from it, invigorated commerce, and gave 
a new stimulus to agriculture. 

About this time a great and visible improvement took place in 
the circumstances of the people. Although the funding system was 
not inoperative in producing this improvement, it cannot be ascribed 
to any single cause. Progressive industry had gradually repaired 
the losses sustained by the war ; and the influence of the consti- 
tution on habits of thinking and acting, though silent, was con- 
siderable. 

On the 12th of August, Congress adjourned, to meet in Phila- 
delphia on the first Monday in the following December. 

While the discussions in the national legislature related to sub- 
jects, and were conducted in a temper well calculated to rouse the 
active spirit of party, the external relations of the United States 
wore an aspect not perfectly serene. An increased degree of im- 
portance was given to the hostile temper of the Indians, by the 
apprehension that their discontents were fomented by the intrigues 
of Britain and Spain. It was feared that the latter power might 
take a part in the open hostilities threatened by the irritable dis- 
positions of individuals both in Georgia and the Creek nation. 
From the intimate connexion subsisting between the members of 
the house of Bourbon, this event was peculiarly deprecated ; and 
the means of avoiding it were sought with solicitude. These con- 
siderations induced the President to make another effort at nego- 
tiation ; but to preserve the respect of these savages for the United 
States, it was resolved that the agent employed should visit their 
country under other pretexts. Colonel Willett was selected for 
this service ; and he acquitted himself so well of the duty as to 
induce the chiefs of the nation with M'Gillivray at their head, to 
repair to New York, where negotiations were opened which termi- 
nated in a treaty of peace. 

The pacific overtures made to the Indians of the Wabash and 

Did salutary consequences flow from funding the debt ? What was the 
general condition of the country ? What were the apprehensions respecting 
Qie savages ? Was a treaty at length made with them ? 



284 MARSHALL'S 

Miamis not having teen successful, the inhabitants of the western 
frontiers were still exposed to their destructive incursions, and still 
retained the hostility they had originally manifested to the con- 
stitution. 

No progress had been made in adjusting the points of contro- 
versy with Spain and Britain. 

The cabinet of St. James having never appointed a minister to 
the United States, the President felt some difficulty in repeating 
advances which had been treated with neglect. Yet there was 
much reason to desire full explanations with the British govern- 
ment. The subjects for discussion were of peculiar delicacy, and 
could not be permitted to remain unadjusted without hazarding the 
most serious consequences. In October 1789, the President had 
resolved on taking informal measures to sound the British cabinet, 
and to ascertain its views respecting the points of controversy be- 
tween the two nations. This negotiation was entrusted to Mr. 
Gouverneur Morris, \^ho liad been carried to Europe by private 
business. In his conferences with the Duke of Leeds and with 
Mr. Pitt, those ministers expressed a wish to be on the best terms 
with America ; but repeated the complaints which had been made 
by Lord Carmaerthcn of the non-execution of the treaty of peace 
on the part of the United States. In a subsequent note, the Duke 
of Leeds avowed tlie intention, if the delay on the part of the Ame- 
rican government to fulfil its engagements should have rendered 
its final completion impossible, to retard the fulfilment of those 
which depended entirely on Great Britain, until redress should be 
granted to the subjects of his majesty on the specific points of the 
treaty itself, or a fair and just compensation should be obtained 
for their non-performance. 

Whilst these negotiations were depending, intelligence was re- 
ceived at London, of the attack made on the British settlement at 
Nootka Sound. The vigor with which the government armed in 
support of its pretensions, furnished strong reasons for the opinion 
that a war with Spain, and probably with France, would soon be 
commenced. 

This was considered in America as a favorable juncture for 
urging the claims of the United States to the free navigation of the 
Mississippi. Mr. Carmichacl, their charge d'affaires at the court 
of Madrid, was instructed not only to press this point with earnest- 
ness, but to use his utmost endeavours to secure the unmolested 
use of that river in future, by obtaining a cession of the island of 
New Orleans, and of the Floridas. 

The opinion was seriously entertained by the American govern- 
By what medium did the American government communicate with that 
of Great Britain? What views, upon the controverted points between the 
two nations, were, expressed by the Duke of Leeds ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 285 

ment that, in the event of a war between Great Britain and Spain, 
Louisiana would be invaded from Canada ; and the attention of the 
executive was turned to the measures which it would be proper to 
take, should appUcation be made for permission to march a body 
of troops through the unsettled territories of the United States into 
the dominions of Spain. Lord Dorchester, the Governor of that 
province, had intimated a wish to visit New York on his return to 
England ; but the prospect of a rupture with Spain had deter- 
mined him to remain in Canada. Under the pretext of making 
his acknowledgments for the readiness with which his desire to 
pass through New York had been acceded to, his lordship dis- 
patched Major Beckwith, a member of his family, to sound the 
American government, and, if possible, to ascertain its dispositions 
towards the two nations. 

The communications of this gentleman were entirely amicable. 
He was instructed to express the conviction of Lord Dorchester 
that ^e British cabinet was inclined not only towards a friendly 
intercourse, but towards an alliance with the United States. After 
expressing the concern with which that nobleman had heard of the 
depredations of the savages, he declared that his lordship, so far 
from countenancing the depredations, had taken every proper op- 
portunity to impress pacific dispositions on the Indians ; and, on 
hearing of the outrages lately committed, had sent a messenger to 
endeavour to prevent them. Major Beckwith intimated farther, 
that the perpetrators of the late murders were banditti, composed 
chiefly of Creeks and Cherokees in the Spanish interest, over whom 
the Governor of Canada possessed no influence. 

The President directed that the further communications of Ma- 
jor Beckwith should be heard civilly, and that their want of official 
authenticity should be hinted delicately, without urging any expres- 
sions which might in the remotest degree impair the freedom of 
the United States to pursue without reproach the line of conduct 
which the honor or the interest of the nation might dictate. 

In the opinion that it would be equally useless and dishonorable 
further to press a commercial treaty, the powers given to Mr. Mor- 
ris were withdrawn. About the same time, the dispute between 
Great Britain and Spain was adjusted. 

In the preceding May, Rhode Island had adopted the constitu- 
tion ; and the union of the states was completed. 

On the 6th day of December, 1790, Congress assembled at 
Philadelphia. 

The speech delivered at the commencement of the session, afler 
taking a comprehensive view of the external and internal interests 

What communications were made by Major Beckwith to the American 
gfovernment ? In what way did Washington direct them to be received ? 
What was said in the President's speech to Congress ? 



286 MARSHALL'S 

of the nation, concluded with the following impressive sentiment. 
" It will be happy for us both, and our best reward, if, by a suc- 
cessful administration of our respective trusts, we can make the 
established government more and more instrumental in promoting 
the good of our fellow-citizens, and more and more the object of 
their attachment and confidence." 

In the short debate which took place in the House of Represen- 
tatives, on the address in answer to the speech, a direct disappro- 
. bation of one of the measures of the executive was, for the first 
time, openly expressed. 

In the treaty lately concluded with the Creeks, an extensive 
country claimed by Georgia under treaties the validity of which 
was contested by Indian chiefs, had been relinquished. This re- 
linquishment excited serious discontents in that state ; and was 
censured by Mr. Jackson with considerable warmth. 

Scarcely were the debates on the address concluded,,^when 
several reports were received from the Secretary of the Treasury, 
suggesting such further measures as was deemed necessary for 
the establishment of public credit. 

The assumption of the state debts not having been adopted 
until late in the preceding session, the discussion on the revenue 
for this portion of the public debt did not commence until the 
House had become impatient for an adjournment. As much con- 
trariety of opinion was disclosed, and the subject did not press, 
it was deferred to the ensuing session ; and the Secretary of the 
Treasury was required to report such further provision as might, 
in his opinion, be necessary for establishing the public credit. In 
obedience to this resolution, several reports had been prepared, 
the first of which repeated the recommendation of an additional 
impost on foreign distilled spirits, and of a duty on spirits distilled 
within the United States. 

A new tax is the certain rallying point to all those who are un- 
friendly to the minister by Mdiom it is proposed. The bill intro- 
duced in pursuance of the report was opposed with great vehe- 
mence and bitterness by a majority of the southern and western 
members. When required to produce a system in lieu of that 
which they so much execrated, the opponents of the bill alternately 
mentioned an increased duty on imported articles generally, a par- 
ticular duty on molasses, a direct tax, a tax on salaries, pensions, 
and lawyers, a duty on newspapers, and stamp act. 

After a very angry debate, a motion made by Mr. Jackson to 
strike out the section which imposed a duty on domestic distilled 
spirits, was negatived by thirty-six to sixteen ; and the bill was 
carried by thirty-five to twenty-one. 

What measure of taxation occasioned vehement debate in Congress ? By 
what majority was the bill passed ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 287 

Some days after the passage of this bill, another question was 
brought forward, which was supposed to involve principles deeply 
interesting to the government. 

The Secretary of the Treasury had been the uniform advocate 
of a national bank. A bill conforming to the plan he had sug- 
gested, was sent down from the Senate, and was permitted to pro- 
ceed, in the House of Representatives, to a third reading. On the 
final question, an unexpected opposition was made to its passage. 
The great strength of the argument was directed against the con- 
stitutional authority of Congress to pass the act. 

After a debate of great length and ability, the bill was carried 
in the affirmative by a majority of nineteen votes. 

The cabinet also was divided on the measure. The Secretary 
of State and the Attorney-General conceived that Congress had 
transcended their constitutional powers ; while the Secretary of 
the Treasury maintained the opposite opinion. The advice of each 
minister, with his reasoning in support of it, was required in 
writing ; and their arguments were considered by the President 
with that attention which the magnitude of the question, and the 
interest it had excited, so eminently required. This deliberate in- 
vestigation terminated in a conviction that the constitution of the 
United States authorised the measure ; and the sanction of the ex- 
ecutive was given to the act. 

The division of opinion on this constitutional question ought not 
to excite surprise. It must be recollected, that the conflict between 
the powers of a general and state government was coeval with 
those governments. Even during the war, the preponderance of 
the states was obvious ; and, in a very short time after the peace, 
the struggle ended in the abandonment of the general government. 
Many causes concurred to produce a constitution more competent 
to the preservation of the Union ; but the old line of division was 
still as strongly marked as ever. 

To this great and radical division of opinion, which would ne- 
cessarily atfect every question on the authority of the national 
legislature, other m.otives were added, which were believed to 
possess considerable influence on all measures connected with the 
finances. 

As an inevitable eflect of the state of society, the public debt 
had greatly accumulated in the middle and northern states. This 
circumstance could not fail to contribute to the complacency with 
which the plans of the secretary were viewed by those who had 
felt their benefit, nor to the irritation with which they were con- 
templated by others who had parted with their claims on the na- 

Upon the subject of a National Bank, what was the action of Congress, 
and what the opinions of the cabinet? Mention the decision of General 
Washington upon this question, after mature examination. 



288 MARSHALL'S 

tion. It is not impossible that personal considerations also min- 
gled themselves with those which were of a public nature. 

This measure made a deep impression on many members of 
the legislature, and contributed not inconsiderably to the complete 
organization of those distinct and visible parties which, in their 
long and dubious conflict for power, have since shaken the United 
States to their centre. 

Among the last acts of the present Congress, was one to aug 
ment the military establishment of the United States. 

The earnest endeavors of the President to give security to the 
north-western frontier, by pacific arrangements, having proved 
unavailing, he had planned an expedition against the hostile tribes j 
in that quarter. ■ 

General Harmer marched from fort Washington on the 30th of * 
September, with three hundred and twenty regulars. The army, 
when joined by the militia of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, 
amounted to fourteen hundred and fifty-three men. About the 
middle of October, Colonel Harden was advanced with six hun- 
dred men, chiefly militia. On his approach, the Indians set fire 
to the principal village, and fled to the woods. As the object of 
the expedition could not be accomplished without defeating the 
savages. Colonel Harden was again detached at the head of two 
hundred and ten men, thirty of whom were regulars. About ten 
miles west of Chillicothe, he was attacked by a party of Indians. 
The militia fled at the first appearance of the enemy. The regu- 
lars, commanded by Lieutenant Armstrong, made a brave resist- 
ance. After twenty-three of them had fallen in the field, the 
surviving seven rejoined the army. 

Notwithstanding this check, the remaining towns on the Scioto 
were reduced to ashes, and the provisions laid up for the winter 
were utterly destroyed. 

Being desirous of wiping off the disgrace which his arms had 
sustained, General Harmer once more detached Colonel Harden, 
with orders to bring on an engagement. His command consisted 
of three hundred and sixty men, of whom sixty were regulars, 
commanded by Major Wyllys. Early next morning, this detach- 
ment reached the confluence of the St. Joseph and St. Mary, where 
it was divided into three columns. The left was commanded by 
Colonel Harden in person ; the centre, consisting of the regular 
troops, was led by Major Wyllys ; and the right was commanded 
by Major M'Millar. The columns were soon met by a consider- 
able body of Indians, and a severe engagement ensued. The mi- 
litia retrieved their reputation. The right flank of the centre was 

Was the army mcreuscd ? What general marched agp.inst the Indians ? 
Mention the movements ^nd actions which ensued. Did the troops receive 
a check ? What other action occurred ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 289 

attacked with great fury. Though Major Wyllys was among the 
first who fell, the battle was maintained by the regulars with spirit. 
At length, the scanty remnant of this small band was driven off 
the ground, leaving Major Wyllys, Lieutenant Fartliingham, and 
fifty of their comrades, dead on the field. The loss sustained by 
the militia was also severe. It amounted to upwards of one hun- 
dred men, among whom were nine officers. After an obstinate 
engagement, the detachment rejoined the main army, which pro- 
ceeded to fort Washington. 

The information respecting this expedition was quickly followed 
by intelligence stating the deploi-able condition of the frontier. The 
communications made by the President induced the legislature to 
add a regiment to the permanent military establishment ; and to 
authorise him to raise a body of two thousand men for six months, 
and to appoint a Major-Gcneral and a Brigadier-General, to con- 
tinue in command so long as he should think their services ne- 
cessary. 

With the 3d of March, 1791, the first Congress elected under 
the constitution of the United States' terminated. The party de- 
nominated federal having prevailed at the elections, a majority of 
the members were steadfast friends of the constitution. To or- 
ganize a government, to retrieve the national character, to establish 
a system of revenue, and to create public credit, were among the 
arduous duties which were imposed upon tliem, by the situation of 
their country. With persevering labor, guided by no inconsider- 
able portion of virtue and intelligence, these objects were, in a great 
degree, accomplished. Had it even been the happy and singular 
lot of America to see its national legislature assemble uninfluenced 
by those prejudices which grew out of the previous divisions of the 
country, the many delicate points which they were under the ne- 
cessity of deciding, could not have failed to disturb this enviable 
state of harmony, and to mingle some share of party spirit with their 
deliberations. But when the actual state of the public mind was 
contemplated, and due weight was given to the important consider- 
ation that, at no very distant day, a successor to the present chief 
magistrate must be elected, it was still less to be hoped that the 
first Congress could pass away, without producing strong and per- 
manent dispositions in parties, to impute to each other designs un- 
friendly to the public happiness. As yet, however, these imputa- 
tions did not extend to the President. His character was held 
sacred, and the purity of his motives was admitted by all. 

What was the result of Major Wj'llys's engagement with the Indhms ? 
Did Congress further augment the military force ? What is suid respecting 
the first Congress ? 
25 



290 MARSHALL'S 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Major-General St. Clair appointed commander-in-chief.— The President makes a tout 
through the southern states. — Meeting of Congress. — President's speech. — Debate on 
the bill for apportioning representatives. — Defeat of General St. Clair. — Opposition 
to the augmentation of the army.— Report of the Secretary of the Treasury.— Debate 
thereon. — Arrangement respecting the seat of government. — Congress adjourns. — 
Disagreement between the Secretaries of State and Treasury. — Opposition to the ex- 
cise law. — Proclamation issued by the President. — Insurrection in St. Domingo. — 
General Wayne appointed to command the army. — Meeting of Congress. — Presi- 
dent's speech. — Resolution implicating the Secretary of the Treasury rejected. — Con- 
gress adjourns.— Progress of the French revolution.— The effects on parties. 

More ample means for the protection of the frontier having 
been placed under the control of the executive, the immediate at- 
tention of the President was directed to this interesting object. 
Major-General Arthur St. Clair, governor of the territory north- 
west of the Ohio, a gentleman who had served with reputation 
through the war of the revolution, was appointed commander-in- 
chief of the forces to be employed in the meditated expedition. 

After making the necessary arrangements for recruiting the 
army, the President prepared to make his long-contemplated tour 
through the southern states. Having remained a few days on the 
Potomac, in order to execute finally the powers vested in him by 
the legislature for fixing on a place for the permanent seat of go- 
vernment, he proceeded on this tour. He was received universally 
with the same marks of affectionate attachment with which he had 
been welcomed in the northern and middle states. To the sensi- 
bilities which these demonstrations of regard could not fail to in- 
spire, was added the high gratification produced by observing the 
improvements of the country, and the advances made by the go- 
vernment in acquiring the confidence of the people. But this 
progress towards conciliation was perhaps less considerable than 
was indicated by appearances. The hostility to the government, 
which originated with it, though diminished, was far from being 
subdued ; and, under this smooth exterior, a mass of discontent 
was concealed, which, though it did not obtrude itself on the view 
of the man who united almost all hearts, was active in its exer- 
tions to efiect its objects. 

The difliculties which impeded the recruiting, protracted the 
completion of the regiments to a late season of the year ; but the 
summer was not permitted to waste in total inaction. The act for 
the defence of the frontiers had empowered the President to call 
mounted militia into the field. Under this authority, two expedi- 
tions had been conducted against the villages on the Wabash, thfl 

What expedition against the Indians was now contemplated ? Mentioi* 
the tour of the President in the southern states ? Was he well received t 
What was tlic state of political feeling- ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 291 

first led by General Scott, in May ; the second, by General Wilk- 
inson, in September. These desultory incursions had not much 
influence on the war. 

On the 24th of October, the second Congress assembled in Phi- 
ladelphia. In his speech, at the opening of the session, the 
President mentioned the rapidity with which the shares in the 
Bank of the United States had been subscribed, as " among the 
striking and pleasing evidences which presented themselves, not 
only of the confidence in the government, but of resources in the 
community." 

In his review of Indian affairs, he recommended "justice to the 
savages, and such rational experiments for imparting to them the 
blessings of civilization, as might, from time to time, suit their 
condition." 

In speaking of the act laying a duty on distilled spirits, he said, 
" If there are any circumstances in the law which, consistently 
with its main design, may be so varied as to remove any well- 
intentioned objections that may happen to exist, it will comport 
with a wise moderation to make the proper variations." 

The answers of the two Houses, though perhaps less warm than 
those of the preceding Congress, manifested great respect for the 
executive magistrate. 

Among the first subjects which engaged the attention of the 
legislature, was a bill for apportioning representatives among the 
people of the several states, according to the first enumeration. 

This bill gave to each state one member for every thirty thou- 
sand persons. On a motion to strike out the number " thirty 
thousand," the debate turned chiefly on the policy of a more or 
less numerous House of Representatives ; but, with the general 
arguments suggested by the subject, strong and pointed allusions 
to the measures of the preceding Congress were interspersed, 
which indicated much more serious hostility to the administration 
than had hitherto been expressed. 

After a long and animated discussion, the amendment was re- 
jected, and the bill passed in its original form. 

In the Senate, the bill was amended, so as to give one repre- 
sentative for every thirty-three thousand persons. This amend- 
ment was disagreed to ; and each House adhering to its opinion, 
the bill fell; but was again introduced in a new form, though 
without any material variation in its provisions. After a debate, 
in- which the gross injustice of the fractions produced by the ratio 
it adopted, was strongly pressed, it passed that House. In the 
Senate, it was again amended, not by reducing, but by enlarging, 
the number of representatives. 

Specify the chief topics of Washington's speech to the second Congress. 
What debate arose in that body, as to the rate of apportionment ? 



292 MARSHALL'S 

The Senate applied the number thirty thousand as a divisor to 
the total population, and taking the quotient, which was one hun- 
dred and twenty, they apportioned that number among the several 
states by that ratio, until as many representatives as it would give 
were allotted to each. The residuary members were then dis- 
tributed among the states having the highest fractions. The result 
was a more equitable apportionment of representatives to popula- 
tion : but its constitutionality was questioned. 

The amendment was disagreed to in the House of Representa- 
tives, and a conference took place. The conferees did not agree ; 
but finally, the Flouse of Representatives receded from their disa- 
greement, and the bill passed. 

The duty of deciding the solemn question whether an act of the 
legislature consisted with the constitution, now devolved once more 
on the President. 

In his cabinet, a difference of opinion is understood to have 
again existed. The Secretary of State and the Attorney -General 
were of opinion that the act was at variance with the constitution ; 
the Secretary at War was rather undecided ; and the Secretary 
of the Treasury, thinking that neither construction could be abso- 
lutely rejected, was in favor of acceding to the interpretation given 
by the legislature. 

After weighing deliberately the arguments on each side of the 
question, the President was confirmed 'in the opinion, that the bill 
was unconstitutional, and returned it to the House in which it ori- 
ginated, with his objections. The question was taken on its pas- 
sage by ayes and noes, and it was rejected. One of the objections 
made by the President would seem to be conclusive. It is, that 
the bill allotted to eight of the states more than one representative 
for every thirty thousand persons. 

An act was soon afterwards passed, which apportioned the re- 
presentation on the several states at the ratio of one for every 
thirty-three thousand persons. 

In December, intelligence was received that the American army 
had been totally defeated on the 4th of the preceding month. 

Such delays had attended the recruiting service, that the troops 
were not assembled in the neighborhood of fort Washington until 
the month of September. On the 7th of that month, they moved 
northward. Afier garrisoning forts Hamilton and Jefferson, two 
intermediate posts, which were constructed as places of deposit, 
the efiective number of the army, including militia, amounted to 
rather less than two thousand men. Small parties of Indians fre- 
quently interrupted their line of march, and some unimportant 

What bill tipon the subject of apportionment was passed by Congress ? 
Did Washington approve it ? What decision was at last made ? Mention 
the unfavorable intelligence from the army. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 293 

skirmishes took place. As the army approached the country in 
which they might expect to meet an enemy, sixty of the militia 
deserted in a body. Though this diminution of force was not in 
■ tself an object of much concern, there was reason to fear that the 
example might be followed extensively ; and it was reported to be 
the intention of the deserters to plunder convoys of provisions, 
which were advancing in the rear. To prevent these serious mis 
chiefs, the General detached Major Hamlrank, with the first regi 
ment, in pursuit of the deserters. 

The army, consisting of about fourteen hundred rank and file, 
continued its march ; and encamped in two lines, on the 3d of 
November, fifteen miles south of the Miamis villages, with a creek 
about twelve yards wide in its front. The militia crossed the 
creek, and encamped about a quarter of a mile in advance. 

Before sunrise next morning, just after the troops had been dis- 
missed from parade, an unexpected attack was made on the militia, 
who fled in the utmost confusion, and, rushing into the camp 
through the first line of continental troops, which had been formed 
on hearing the first fire, threw them too into disorder. The In- 
dians pressed close on the heels of the flying militia, and engaged 
General Butler with great intrepidity. The action instantly be- 
came extremely warm ; and the fire pf the assailants, passing 
round both flanks of the first line, was, in a few minutes, poured 
with equal fury on the rear division. Its greatest weight was di- 
rected against the centre of each wing, where the artillery was 
posted ,• and the artillerists were mowed down in great numbers. 
The assailants were scarcely seen but when springing from one 
covert to another, in which manner they advanced close up to the 
American lines, and to the very mouths of their field-pieces. They 
fought with the daring courage of men whose trade is war, and 
who are stimulated by every passion which can impel the mind to 
vigorous exertion. 

Under circumstances thus arduous, raw troops may be expected 
to exhibit that inequality which is found in human nature. Some 
performed their duty with resolution, others were dismayed and 
terrified. The officers were, as usual, the victims of this conduct. 
While fearlessly exposing themselves to the most imminent dan- 
ger, they fell in great numbers. The commander-in-chief, though 
enfeebled by a severe disease, delivered his orders with judgment 
and self-possession. 

As the American fire could produce no considerable effect on a 
concealed enemy, Lieutenant-Colonel Darke, at the head of the 
second regiment, which formed the extreme lefl, made an impetu- 

When and where was the attack made upon General St. Clair by the In- 
dians ? State the manner of the assault, and describe the progress of the 
battle. 

2d* 



294 MARSHALL'S 

ous charge with the bayonet, forced the assailants fi'om their ground 
with some loss, and drove them about four hundred yards. But 
the want of riflemen to press this advantage deprived him of its 
benefits ; and, as soon as the pursuit was discontinued, the Indians 
renewed their attack. Meanwhile, General Butler was mortally 
wounded, the left of the right wing was broken, the artillerists 
killed almost to a man, the guns seized, and the camp penetrated 
Darke was ordered again to charge with the bayonet at the head 
of his own regiment, and of the battalions commanded by Majors 
Butler and Clarke. The Indians were driven out of the camp, and 
the artillery recovered. But, while they were pressed on one point, 
their fire was kept up from every other with fatal effect. Several 
corps charged them separately, but no universal effort could be 
made ; and, in every charge, a great loss of officers was sustained. 
To save the remnant of his army. General St. Clair, about half- 
past nine, ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Darke to charge a body of 
Indians who had intercepted their retreat, and to gain the road. 
Major Clarke, with his battalion, was directed to cover the rear. 
A disorderly flight commenced. The pursuit was kept up for 
about four miles ,* when that avidity for plunder, which is a ruling 
passion among savages, called back the victors to the camp, where 
the spoils of the vanquished were to be divided. 

The routed troops continued their flight to fort Jeflerson, where 
they met Major Hamtrank. A council of war determined against 
farther offensive operations, and the army continued its retreat to 
fort Washington. 

In this disastrous battle, the loss on the part of the Americans 
was ver}^ great when compared with the numbers engaged. Thirty- 
eight oflicers and five hundred and ninety-three non-commissioned 
officers and privates were killed. Thirty-one officers, several of 
whom aflerwards died of their wounds, and two hundred and forty- 
two non-commissioned officers and privates were wounded. Among 
the dead, was the brave and much-lamented General Butler. At 
the head of the list of the wounded, were Lieutenant-Colonels 
Gibson and Darke, Major Butler, and Adjutant-General Sergeant. 

Nothing could be more unexpected than this severe disaster. 
The public had confidently anticipated a successful campaign, and 
could not believe that the General, who had been unfortunate, had 
not been culpable. 

The commander-in-chief earnestly requested a court-martial on 
his conduct ; but the army did not furnish a sufficient number of 
officers of a grade to form a court on military principles. Late in 
the session, a committee of the House of Representatives was ap- 

What was the result of the battle ? Did it terminate the campaign? Whai 
was the number of killed and wounded ? Did the public censure fall on tlie 
commander ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 295 

pointed to inquire into the cause of the failure of the expedition, 
whose report exculpated the commander-in-chief. This inquiry, 
however, was instituted for the purpose of examining the conduct 
of civil rather than of military officers. More satisfactory testi- 
mony in favor of St. Clair is furnished hy the fact that he still re- 
tained the undiminished esteem and good opinion of the President. 

The war now assumed a still more serious aspect. There was 
reason to fear that the hostile tribes would derive a great accession 
of strength from the impression which their success would make 
upon their neighbors. The President, therefore, lost no time in 
causing the estimates for a competent force to be prepared and laid 
before Congress. In conformity with the report made by the Sec- 
retary of War, a bill was brought into the House of Representa- 
tives, directing three additional regiments of infantry and a squad- 
ron of cavalry to be raised. The whole military establishment, 
if completed, would amount to five thousand men. The additional 
regiments were to be disbanded as soon as peace should be con- 
cluded, and the President was authorized to discharge, or to for- 
bear to raise, any part of them. 

It must excite some surprise, that even this necessary measure 
encountered the most strenuous opposition. The debate was con- 
ducted in a temper which demonstrates the extent to which the 
spirit of party had been carried. A motion to strike out the sec- 
tion which authorized an augmentation of force was at length lost, 
and the bill was passed. 

The increased expenses of the war requiring additional revenue, 
a select committee, to whom the subject was referred, brought in 
a resolution directing the Secretary of the Treasury to report his 
opinion on the best mode of raising those additional supplies which 
the public service might require. 

This proposition was opposed earnestly, but not successfully. 
The resolution was carried ; thirty-one members voting in its favor, 
and twenty-seven against it. 

The report made in pursuance of this resolution, recommended 
an augmentation of duties on imports ; and was immediately refer- 
red to a committee of the whole House, in which resolutions were 
passed which were to form the basis of a bill. 

Before the question was taken on the bill, a motion was made 
to limit its duration, the vote upon which marked the progress of 
opinion respecting those systems of finance which were believed to 
have established the credit of the United States. 

The secretary of the treasury had deemed it indispensable to 
the creation of public credit that the appropriation of funds for the 

Did Washington deem it necessary that the army should be increased ? 
Did Congress pass a bill for this purpose ? What was proposed, in a report 
of a committee of Congress, as a means of increasing the revenue ? 



296 MARSHALL'S 

payment of the interest, and the gradual redemption of the prin» 
cipal of the national debt, should be not only sufficient but per- 
manent. The arguments used against this permanent appropria 
tion appear to have been more successful with the people, than 
they had been with the legislature. 

The bill founded on the last report of the secretary contained 
the same principle. Thirty-one members were in favor of limit- 
ing the duration of the bill, and thirty against it. By the rules of 
the house, the speaker has a right to vote as a member, and, if the 
members should then be equal, to decide as speaker. Being op- 
posed to the limitation, the motion was lost by his voice. 

On the 8th of May, Congress adjourned to the first Monday in 
November. 

The asperity which on more than one occasion discovered itself 
in debate, was a certain index of the growing exasperation of par- 
ties ; and the strength of the opposition on those questions which 
brought into review the points on which the administration was to 
be attacked, denoted the impression which the specific charges 
brought against those who conducted public affairs, had made on 
the minds of the people in an extensive division of the continent. 

The symptoms of irritation in the public mind had assumed ap- 
pearances of increased malignity during the session of Congress 
which had just terminated ; and, to the President, who believed 
firmly that the union and the liberty of the states depended on the 
preservation of the government, they were the more unpleasant, 
and the more alarming, because they were displayed in full force 
in his cabinet. 

A disagreement existed between the secretaries of the state and 
treasury departments, which seems to have originated in an early 
stage of the administration, and to have acquired a regular acces- 
sion of strength from circumstances which were perpetually occur- 
ring, until it grew into open and irreconcileable hostility. 

Without tracing this disagreement to those motives which, in 
elective governments especially, often produce enmities between dis- 
tinguished personages neither of whom acknowledge the superiority 
of the other, such radical differences of opinion were supposed to 
exist between the secretaries as, in a great measure, to account for 
this inextinguishable enmity. These differences were, perhaps, to 
be ascribed in some measure to a difference in the original struc- 
ture of their minds, and in some measure to the different situations 
in which they had been placed. 

Until near the close of the war, Mr. Hamilton had served his 
country in the field, and, just before its termination, had passed 

What was decided, by the speaker's vote, respecting the permanence of the 
fund for extinguishing the national debt ? Did harmony prevail in Wash- 
ington's cabinet ? What two of its members acted in contrariety ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 297 

from the camp into Congress, where he remained for some time 
after the estabKshment of peace. In the former station, the danger 
to which the independence of his country was exposed from the 
imbecihty of its government was perpetually before his eyes ; and, 
in the latter, his attention was forcibly directed towards the loss of 
its reputation, and the sacrifice of its best interests, which were to 
be ascribed to the same cause. Mr. Hamilton therefore was the 
friend of a government which should possess, in itself, sufficient 
powers and resources to maintain the character and defend the 
integrity of the nation. Having long felt and witnessed the mis- 
chiefs produced by the absolute sovereignty of the states, and by 
the control which they were enabled and disposed separately to 
exercise over every measure of general concern, he was particu- 
larly apprehensive of danger from that quarter ; which he believed 
was to be the more dreaded, because the habits and feelings of the 
American people were calculated to inspire state, rather than na- 
tional prepossessions. He openly avowed the opinion that the 
greatest hazard to which the constitution was exposed arose from 
its weakness, and that American liberty and happiness had much 
more to fear from the encroachments of the sMtes than from those 
of the general government. 

Mr. Jefferson had retired from Congress before the depreciation 
of the currency had produced an entire dependence of the general 
on the local governments, after which he filled the highest offices 
in his native state. About the close of the war, he was re-elected 
to Congress ; but was soon afterwards employed on a mission to 
the court of Versailles, where he remained while the people of 
France were taking the first steps in that immense revolution 
which has astonished and agitated two quarters of the world. It 
is not unreasonable to suppose that, while residing at that court, 
and associating with those who meditated the great events which 
have since taken place, his mind might be warmed with the abuses 
of monarchy which were perpetually in his view, and he might be led 
to the opinion that liberty incurred its greatest danger from estab- 
lished governments. Mr. Jefferson therefore seems to have enter- 
tained no apprehensions from the debility of the government ; no 
jealousy of the state sovereignties; no suspicion of their encroach- 
ments. His fears took a different direction ; and all his precau- 
tions were used to check and limit the exercise of the powers 
vested in the government of the United States. From that alone 
could he perceive danger to liberty. 

He did not feel the necessity of adopting the constitution so sen- 
sibly as they did who had continued in the country ; and he had at 

To what influential circumstances may we attribute the opinion of Hamil- 
ton that the general government should be strong ? And why did Jefferson 
incline to the opposite opinion ? 



298 MARSHALL'S 

one time avowed a wish that it might be rejected by such a num- 
ber of slates as would secure certain alterations which he thought 
essential. From this opinion, however, he is understood to have 
receded. 

To these causes of division another was superadded, the influ- 
ence of which was soon felt in all the political transactions of the 
government. 

The war which terminated in 1783, had left in the bosoms of 
the American people, a strong attachment to France and enmity 
to Great Britain. These feelings in a greater or less degree, were, 
perhaps, universal ; and were demonstrated by all those means by 
which public sentiment is usually displayed. 

Although affection for France and jealousy of Britain w^ere sen- 
timents common to the people of America, the same unanimity did 
not exist respecting the influence which ought to be allowed to 
those sentiments over the political conduct of the nation. While 
many favored such discriminations as might turn the commerce 
of the United States into new channels, others maintained that no 
suflicient motives existed for that sacrifice of national and indivi- 
dual interests whiclf was involved in the discriminations proposed. 

The former opinion was taken up with zeal by the secretary of 
state, and the latter was adopted with equal sincerity by the sec- 
retary of the treasury. This contrariety of sentiment respecting 
commercial regulations was only a part of a general system. It 
extended itself to all the relations which might exist between Ame- 
rica and those two great powers. 

In all popular governments, the press is the ready channel 
through which the opinions and the passions of the few are com- 
municated to the many ; and of the press, the two great parties 
sought to avail themselves. The Gazette of the United States sup- 
ported the systems of the treasury department, while other papers 
enlisted themselves under the banners of the opposition. Conspi- 
cuous among these, was the National Gazette, a paper edited by a 
clerk in the department of state. It became the vehicle of ca- 
lumny against the funding and banking systems, against the duty 
on home-made spirits, and against the men who had proposed and 
supported those measures. With perhaps equal asperity, the 
papers attached to the party which had defended these systems, 
assailed the motives of the leaders of the opposition. 

This schism in his cabinet was a subject of extreme mortifica- 
tion to the President. Entertaining a high respect for the talents 
and a real esteem for the characters of both gentlemen, he was 
unwilling to part with either ; and exerted all the influence he pos- 

What feeling actuated the American people, in regard to Great Britain and 
France ? What difference upon national policy existed between Hamilton 
and Jefferson ? Did Washington endeavor to reconcile thuiu ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 299 

sessed to effect a reconciliation between them. His exertions were 
not successful. Their hostility sustained no diminution, and its 
consequences became every day more diffusive. 

Among the immediate effects of these internal dissensions was 
the encouragement they afforded to a daring and criminal resist- 
ance which was made to the execution of the laws imposing a duty 
on spirits distilled within the United States. 

To the inhabitants of that part of Pennsylvania which lies west 
of the Allegheny Mountain, this duty was, from local causes, pe- 
culiarly odious ; nor was their hostility to the measure diminished 
by any affection for its source. The constitution itself had encoun- 
tered the most decided opposition from that part of the state, and 
this early enmity had sustained no abatement. Its measures gen- 
erally, and the whole system of finance particularly, had been 
reprobated with extreme bitterness by the most popular men of the 
district. With these dispositions, a tax law, the operation of which 
was extended to them, could not be favorably received, however 
generally it might be supported in other parts of the Union. But 
when, to this pre-existing temper, were superadded the motives 
which arose from perceiving that the measure was censured on the 
floor of Congress as unnecessary and tyrannical ; that resistance 
to its execution was treated as probable ; that a powerful and ac- 
tive party pervading the Union, arraigned the whole system of 
finance as being hostile to liberty ; and charged its advocates with 
designing to subvert the republican institutions of America ; we 
ought not to be surprised that the awful impressions, which usually 
restrain combinations to resist the laws, were lessened; and that 
the malcontents were emboldened to hope that those combinations 
might be successful. 

The resistance commenced with the circulation of opinions which 
might render the law still more odious, and with endeavors to de- 
feat the collection of the duty, by directing the public resentment 
against those who were inclined either to comply with the act, or 
to accept offices under it. These indications of ill-temper were 
succeeded by neighborhood-meetings, in which resolutions of ex- 
treme violence were adopted, and by acts of outrage against the 
persons of revenue officers. At length, in September, 1791, a 
meeting of delegates from the malcontent counties was held at 
Pittsburg, in which resolutions, breathing the same spirit with those 
which had been previously agreed to in county assemblies, were 
adopted. Prosecutions were directed against those who had com- 
mitted acts of violence, but the deputy-marshal was too much in- 
timidated to execute the process. » There was even reason to fear 

Mention the opposition which was manifested in western Pennsylvania. 
to a law of the Union. To what extent did the malcontents go in their resist- 
ance ? 



300 MARSHALL'S 

that the judiciary would be unable to punish them, and the legis- 
lature had not empowered the executive to aid that department. 
Farther proceedings were suspended, in the hope that the execution 
of the law elsewhere, and such a revision of it by Congress as 
should remove any real objections to it which might be suggested 
by experience, would render measures of coercion unnecessary. 

An amendatory act was passed in May, 1792 ; but this concili- 
atory measure did not produce the desired effect. Offices of in- 
spection in every county were necessary to its execution. The 
malcontents, for a considerable time, deterred every individual from 
permitting one to be held at his house, and the few v/ho were pre- 
vailed on by the supervisors to grant this permission, were com- 
pelled, by personal violence and by threats, to retract the consent 
they had given. 

A meeting was again convened at Pittsburg, by which commit- 
tees of correspondence were established ; and the determination 
was avowed to persist in every legal measure to obstruct the ex- 
ecution of the law ; and to hold no intercourse with those who held 
offices for the collection of the duty. 

The President issued a proclamation exhorting and admonishing 
all persons to desist from any combinations or proceedings what- 
soever, tending to obstruct the execution of the laws ; and requiring 
the interference of the civil magistrate. The proclamation pro- 
duced no salutary effect. 

Still sohcitous to avoid extremities, the government adopted the 
following system : 

Prosecutions were instituted against delinquents. The spirits 
distilled in the non -complying counties were intercepted in their 
way to market, and seized by the officers of the revenue ; and the 
agents for the army were directed to purchase only those spirits 
on which the duty had been paid. Could the distillers have obeyed 
their wishes, these measures would have produced the desired 
effect. But, impelled by a furious multitude, they found it much 
more dangerous to obey the laws than to resist them. 

During these party struggles, the external affairs of the United 
States sustained no material change. 

A melancholy occasion had presented itself for evincing the 
'alacrity with which the American executive could embrace any 
proper occasion for manifesting its disposition to promote the in- 
'terests of France. •* 

Early and bitter fruits of that malignant philosophy which can 
deliberately pursue through oceans of blood, abstract systems for 
the attainment of some imaginary good, were gathered in the 

What measure was adopted, without salutary effect ? Mention the pro- 
gressive steps of the oppnsers of the laws? What was the course of the ex 
ecutive, in this state of things ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 301 

French West Indies. Instead of proceeding in the correction of 
abuses by those cautious steps which gradually introduce reform 
without ruin, the revolutionists of France formed the mad and 
wicked project of spreading their doctrines of equality among per- 
sons between whom distinctions and prejudices exist, to be subdued 
only by the grave. The rage excited by the pursuit of this visionary 
theory, after many threatening symptoms, burst forth on the 23d 
day of August, 1791, with a fury alike general and destructive. 
A preconcerted insurrection of the blacks took place, in one night, 
throughout the colony of St. Domingo ; and the white inhabitants 
of the country, while sleeping in their beds, were involved in one 
indiscriminate massacre. Only a few females, reserved for a fate 
more cruel than death, were intentionally spared ; and some were 
fortunate enough to escape into the fortified cities. A bloody war 
then commenced between the insurgents and the whites inhabiting 
the towns. The minister of his Most Christian Majesty applied to 
the executive of the United States for a sum of money which would 
tmable him to preserve this valuable colony, to be deducted out of 
the debt to his sovereign ; and the request was granted in a man- 
ner evincing the interest taken by the administration in whatever 
might concern France. 

Spain still persisted in measures calculated to embroil the United 
States with the southern Indians. 

An official diplomatic intercourse had at length been opened 
with Great Britain. Mr. Hammond, the minister plenipotentiary 
of that nation, had arrived at Philadelphia in the autumn of 1791 ; 
upon which Mr. Thomas Pinckney had been charged with the in- 
terests of his country at the court of London. Soon after the 
arrival of Mr. Hammond, the non-execution of the treaty of peace 
became the subject of a correspondence between him and the Sec- 
retary of State, in which the complaints of their respective nations 
were urged in terms manifesting the sense entertained by each of 
the justice of those complaints, without furnishing solid ground for 
the hope that they would be immediately removed on either side. 
The views of the respective parties in relation to some important 
principles were too wide apart to render any commercial treaty 
probable. 

The preparations for prosecuting the war with the north-western 
Indians were earnestly pressed. General Wayne was appointed 
to succeed General St. Clair, who had resigned the command of 
the army; but the recruiting business advanced too slowly to 
authorize a hope that the meditated expedition could be prudently 
undertaken in the course of the present year. Meanwhile, the 

What service did the American administration render to France, when the 
insurrection took place in St. Domingo? Were terms of official intercourse 
at length arranged with Great Britain ? Who succeeded General St. Clair ? 
26 



302 MARSHALL'S 

clamor against the war continued to bo loud and violent. From 
respect for opinions extensively professed, it was thought advisable 
to make still another effort to procure peace by a direct communi- 
cation of the views of the executive. The fate of those who were 
employed in these efforts, was still more to be lamented than their 
failure. Colonel Harden and Major Truman, two brave officers 
and estimable men, were severally despatched with propositions 
of peace, and each was murdered by the savages. 

On the 5th of November, Congress again convened. In the 
speech delivered at the commencement of the session, Indian af- 
fairs were treated at considerable length, and apprehensions were 
expressed that the war would be extended to the southern tribes 
also. 

The subject next adverted to was the impediments which con- 
tinued to embarrass the collection of duties on spirits distilled 
within the United States. After observing that symptoms of such 
increased opposition had manifested themselves lately in certain 
places as in his judgment to render his special interposition advisa- 
ble, the President added — " Congress may be assured that nothing 
within constitutional and legal limits which may depend on me, 
shall be wanting to assert and maintain the just authority of the 
laws." 

After noticing various other objects, the President addressed 
himself particularly to the House of Representatives, and said, " I 
entertain a strong hope that the state of the national finances is 
now sufficiently matured to enable you to enter into a systematic 
and effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge 
of the public debt, according to the right which has been reserved 
to the government. No measure can be more desirable, whether 
viewed with an eye to its intrinsic importance, or to the general 
sentiments and wish of the nation." 

The addresses of the two houses in answer to the speech were, 
as usual, respectful and affectionate. But the subsequent proceed- 
ings of the legislature did not fulfil the expectations excited by this 
auspicious commencement. 

At an early day, Mr. Fitzsimmons moved "that measures for 
the reduction of so much of the public debt as the United States 
have a right to redeem, ought to be adopted ; and that the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury be directed to report a plan for that purpose." 
After a vehement contest, a motion to strike out the proposed re- 
ference to the Secretary of the Treasury was overruled, and the 
resolution was carried. 

The report of the Secretary proposed a plan for the redemption 

What were the chief topics of Washington's speech to Congress ? What 
measure was brought forward in that body, touching the redemption of the 
public debt ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 303 

of the debt. But the expenses of the Indian wai' rendering it 
unsafe in his opinion to rest absolutely on the existing revenue, he 
also proposed to extend the internal taxes to pleasure horses, or 
pleasure carriages, as the legislature might deem most eligible. 

The consideration of this report was deferred on various pre- 
. texts ; and a motion was made to reduce the military establish- 
ment. The debate on this subject was peculiarly earnest ; and it 
was not until the 4th of January 1793, that the motion was re- 
jected. While that question remained undecided, the report of the 
Secretary was unavoidably postponed. It would seem not impro- 
bable that the opponents of the financial system, who constituted 
rather a minority of the present Congress, but who expected to 
become a majority in the next, were desirous of referring every 
question concerning the treasury department to the succeeding 
legislature. The measures earnestly pressed by the administration 
could not be carried. Those who claimed the favor and confi- 
dence of the people as a just reward for their attachment to liberty, 
and especially for their watchfulness to prevent augmentation of 
debt, were found in opposition to a system for its diminution, 
which was urged by men who were incessantly charged with en- 
tertaining designs for its excessive accumulation, in order to ren- 
der it the corrupt instrument of executive influence. But when 
party passions are highly inflamed, reason itself submits to their 
control, and becomes the instrument of their will. 

Soon afler the motion for the reduction of the military estab- 
lishment was disposed of, another subject was introduced, which 
effectually postponed for the present session, every measure con- 
nected with the finances. 

An act of Congress which passed on the 4th of August 1790, 
authorised the President to cause to be borrowed any sum not ex- 
ceeding twelve miUions of dollars, to be applied in payment of the 
foreign debt. Another act authorised a loan not exceeding two 
millions, to be applied in aid of the sinking fund, towards the 
extinguishment of the domestic debt. 

A power to make these loans was delegated by the Presidenl to 
the Secretary of the Treasury. The commission was accompa- 
nied by written instructions directing the Secretary to pay such 
parts of the foreign debt as should become due at the end of the 
year 1791 ; but leaving him with respect to the residue, to be re- 
gulated by the interests of the United States. Two loans were 
negotiated in 1790, and others at subsequent periods. 

Each loan was negotiated under both laws ; and, consequently 
the moneys produced by each were applicable to both objects, 
in such proportions as the President might direct. 

Was the endeavor successful, to reduce the military establishment ? Wha 
subjects of debate occurred, to interfere with the enactment of any measur- 
of fiiiance ? 



304 MARSHALL'S 

At this period the domestic debt bore a low price in the market, 
and foreign capital was pouring into the United States for its pur- 
chase. The immediate application of the sinking fund to this 
object would consequently acquire a large portion of the debt, and 
would also accelerate its appreciation. Under the influence of 
these considerations, the Secretary had, with the approbation of the 
President, directed a part of the first loan to be paid in discharge 
of the instalments of the foreign debt which were actually due, 
and had drawn a part of it into the treasury in aid of the sinking 
fund. 

The execution of the instructions given in May 1791, to the 
agent of the United States in Europe, to apply the proceeds of fu- 
ture loans in payment to France except such sums as should be 
specially reserved, was delayed partly by a suggestion of the min- 
ister of marine as to a plan, to which a decree of the national as- 
sembly would be necessary, for converting a large sum into sup- 
plies for St. Domingo ; and partly to a desire of the American 
agent, to settle the rule by which the moneys paid should be liqui- 
dated, and credited to the United States. Such was the state of 
this transaction v/hen the calamities which finally overwhelmed 
St. Domingo, induced the American government, on the applica- 
tion of the French minister, to furnish supplies to that ill-fated 
colony, in payment of the debt to France. This being a mode of 
payment which, to a certain extent, was desired by both creditor 
and debtor, a consequent disposition prevailed to use it so far as 
might comport with the wishes of the French government ; and a 
part of the money designed for foreign purposes, was drawn into 
the United States. 

On the 23d of January, Mr. Giles moved several resolutions, 
requiring information, among other things, on the various points 
growing out of these loans. Observations were made in the speech 
introducing them which implied charges of a much more serious 
nature than inattention to the exact letter of an appropriation law. 
Estimates were made in support of the position that a large balance 
was unaccounted for. 

The resolutions were agreed to without debate ; and in a few 
days the Secretary transmitted a report containing the information 
that was required. 

On the 27th of February, Mr. Giles moved sundry resolutions 
founded on the information before the house. The idea of a balance 
unaccounted for was necessarily relinquished ; but the Secretary 
was charged with neglect of duty, with violating the law of the 
4th of August 1790; with deviating from the instructions of the 

In what way did the American executive discharge a part of the debt due 
to France ? What accusation was made in Congress in reference to this 
transaction, and what action was had thereupon ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 305 

President, with negotiating a loan at the bank while public money 
lay unemployed in its vaults, and with an indecorum to the House 
in undertaking to judge of its motives in calling for information. 

These resolutions were followed by one directing that a copy of 
them should be transmitted to the President. 

The debate was conducted in a spirit of acrimony, demonstrat- 
ing the soreness of the wounds which had been given and received 
in the party war which had been previously waged. It terminated 
in a rejection of all the resolutions. The highest number in favor 
of any one of them was sixteen. 

On the 3d of March, a constitutional period was put to the ex- 
istence of the present Congress. The members separated with 
obvious symptoms of extreme irritation. Various causes liad com- 
bined to organize two distinct parties in the United States, which 
were rapidly taking the form of a ministerial, and an opposition 
party. These divisions were beginning to be essentially influenced 
by the great events of Europe. 

That revolution which has been the admiration, the wonder, and 
the terror of the civilized world, had, from its commencement, 
been viewed with the deepest interest. In its first stage, but one 
sentiment respecting it prevailed. When the labors of the conven- 
tion had terminated in a written constitution, this unanimity of 
sentiment was in some degree impaired. A very few feared that a 
system so ill-balanced could not be permanent. A deep impression 
was made on the same persons by the influence of the galleries 
over the legislature, and of mobs over the executive. The tumul- 
tuous assemblages of the people, and their licentious excesses du- 
ring the short and sickly existence of the regal authority, were 
not, they tliought, symptoms of a healthy constitution, or of genu- 
ine freedom. Persuaded that the present state of things could not 
last, they doubted, and they feared for the future. 

In total opposition to this sentiment was that of the public. 
There seems to be something infectious in the example of a pow- 
erful and enlightened nation verging towards democracy, which 
imposes on the human mind, and binds human reason in fetters. 
The constitution of France, therefore, was generally received -svith 
unqualified plaudits. The establishment of a legislature consist- 
ing of a single body, was defended, not only as being adapted to 
the particular condition of that country, but as being right in itself. 
To question the duration of the present order of things, was thought 
to evince an attachment to unlimited monarchy, or a blind preju- 
dice in favour of British institutions. 

Were the resolutions reflecting upon General Washington, passed in Con, 
gress ? In what spirit did Congress separate ? Mention the great cause 
which influenced tlie formation of parties in the United States, and describe 
the general feeling of the American people. 

26* 



306 MARSHALL'S 

In this stage of the revolution, however, the division of senti- 
ment was not marked with sufficient distinctness, nor the passions 
of the people agitated with sufficient violence to produce any pow- 
erful effect. But when the monarchy was overthrown and a re- 
public decreed, the people of the United States seemed electrified 
by the measure. The war in which the several potentates of Eu 
rope were engaged against France, although, in almost every m- 
stance, commenced by that power, was pronounced to be a war 
for the extirpation of human liberty, and for the banishment of 
free government from the face of the earth. The preservation of 
the independence of the United States was supposed to depend on 
its issue, and the coalition against France was treated as a coali- 
tion against America also. 

A cordial wish that the war might terminate without diminish- 
ing the power of France, and so as to leave the people of that 
country free to choose their own form of government, was perhaps 
universal ; but perfect unanimity of opinion did not prevail respect- 
ing the probable issue of their internal confficts. By some few 
individuals, the practicability of governing under the republican 
form an immense military nation, whose institutions, habits, and 
morals were adapted to monarchy, and which was surrounded by 
armed neighbours, was deemed a problem which time alone could 
solve. The circumstances under which the abolition of royalty 
was declared, the massacres which preceded it, the scenes of tur- 
bulence and violence which were acted in every part of the nation, 
appeared to them to present an awful and doubtful state of things ; 
and the idea that a republic was to be introduced and supported 
by force, was, to them, a paradox in politics. Under the influ- 
ence of these appearances, the apprehension was entertained that 
the ancient monarchy would be restored, or a military despotism 
established. 

By the many, these unpopular doubts were deemed unpardona- 
ble heresies ; and the few to whom they were imputed, were pro- 
nounced hostile to liberty. The French revolution will be found 
to have exercised great influence over the affairs of the United 
States. 

When France substituted a republic for her ancient monarchy, what effect 
was wrought upon the minds of the American people ? What sentiment 
upon the subject was universal, and what doubts arose with some, respecting 
the applicability and jxjrmanence of the new system ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 307 



CHAPTER XXX. 

General Washington again unanimously elected President of the United States.— War 
between Great Britain and France. — Proclamation of Neutrality. — Arrival of Mr. 
Genet as minister of France. — His conduct. — Illegal proceedings of French Cruisers. 
—Opinions of the Cabinet.— State of Parties.— Democratic Societies.— Genet openly 
insults the Government. — Rules to be observed in the Ports of the United States re- 
specting the Powers at War.— The President requests the recall of Genet.— British 
order of the 8th of June, 1793. 

The term for which the President and Vice-President were 
elected being to expire on the third of March, the attention of the 
pubHc had been directed to the choice of persons who should fill 
those offices. 

General Washington had been prevailed upon to withhold a 
declaration he had at one time purposed to make, of his determi- 
nation to retire from political life ; and but one opinion existed re- 
specting the President. The public was divided on the Vice-Pre- 
sident. 

The profound statesman who had been called to that office, had 
drawn upon himself a great degree of obloquy by some political 
tracts in which he had labored to maintain the proposition that a 
balance in government was essential to the preservation of liberty. 
He was charged by his opponents with having disclosed sentiments 
in these disquisitions favorable to distinct orders in society. He 
was also known to be friendly to the system of finance ; and was 
believed to be among the few who questioned the durability of the 
French republic. 

Mr. Jefferson being excluded by a constitutional restriction 
which must deprive him of the vote of Virginia, Mr. George Clin- 
ton was selected as the opponent of Mr. Adams. 

Through the war of the revolution, this gentleman had filled 
the office of Governor of New York, and had performed its duties 
with courage and energy. A devoted friend of State supremacy, 
he had contributed greatly to the rejection of the resolutions for 
investing Congress with the power of collecting duties on imports, 
was a determined enemy to the adoption of the constitution, and 
to the system of measures pursued by the general government. 

Both parties seemed confident in their strength, and both made 
the utmost exertions to ensure success. On opening the ballots 
in the Senate Chamber, it appeared that the unanimous suffrage 
of his country had been once more conferred on General Wash- 
ington : and that Mr. Adams had received the next greatest num- 
ber of votes. 

Did Washington consent once more to be a candidate for the station of 
President ? What two competitors were voted for as Vice-President ? Upon 
whom was the office bestowed ? 



308 MARSHALL'S 

The unceasing endeavors of the executive to terminate the In* 
dian w^ar had at length succeeded with the savages of the Wabash, 
and a negotiation was pending with those of the Miamis, during 
which hostilities were forbidden. This prohibition increased the 
irritation of Georgia against the administration. 

The Indian war was becoming an object of secondary magni- 
tude. The critical and irritable state of things in France began 
to affect the United States so materially, as to require an exertion 
of all the prudence and all the firmness of government. The 1 0th 
of August, 1792, was succeeded by such a state of anarchy, and 
by scenes of so much blood and horror ; and the nation was un- 
derstood to be so divided, as to afford reason to doubt whether the 
fallen monarch would be finally deposed or reinstated. The Ame- 
rican minister at Paris requested explicit instructions for the regu- 
lation of his future conduct ; and, in the mean time, pursued a 
course which should in no respect compromise the United States. 

The administration entertained no doubt of the propriety of re- 
cognizing the existing authority of France, whatever form it might 
assume ; nor of paying the instalments of the debt as they should 
fall due, to those who might be authorized to receive it. These 
instructions were accompanied with assurances that the govern- 
ment would omit no opportunity of convincing the French people 
of its cordial wish to serve them. 

The attachment of the President to the French nation was as 
strong as consisted with a due regard to the interests of his own , 
and his wishes for its happiness were as ardent as was compatible 
with the duties of a Chief Magistrate to the state over which he 
presided. But he still preserved the fixed purpose of maintaining 
the neutrality of the United States, however general the war might 
be in Europe. The firmness of this resolution was soon put to 
the test. 

Early in April, the declaration of war by France against Great 
Britain and Holland reached the United States. This event re- 
stored full vivacity to a flame which a peace of ten years had not 
been able to extinguish. A great majority of the American peo- 
ple deemed it criminal to remain unconcerned spectators of a con- 
flict between republican France and their ancient enemy. The 
few who did not embrace this opinion, and they were very few, 
were held up as objects of popular detestation ; and were calum- 
niated as the tools of Britain and the satellites of despotism. In- 
dications were immediately given in some of the seaports, of a dis- 
position to engage in the business of privateering on the commerce 
of the belligerent powers. As the President was determined to 

What is said respecting Indian hostilities ? When the French revolution 
was disgraced by horrible excesses, what was the course of Washington ? • 
Did the American people incline to the French cause ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON 309 

suppress this practice, he requested the attention of the heads of 
departments to the subject. At that meeting, it was unanimously 
agreed that a proclamation ought to issue, forbidding the citizens 
of the United States to take part in any hostilities on the seas, with 
or against any of the belligerent powers ; warning them against 
carrying to any of those powers articles deemed contraband ; and 
enjoining them from all acts inconsistent with the duties of u 
friendly nation tpwards those at w^ar. The proclamation was pre- 
pared by the Attorney -General ; and, being approved by the cabi- 
net, was signed by the President. 

This measure derives importance from the consideration that it 
was the commencement of that system to which the American 
government afterwards inflexibly adhered, and to which much of 
the national prosperity is to be ascribed. It is not less important 
in another view. Being at variance with the prejudices, the feel- 
ings, and the passions of a large portion of society, and being 
founded on no previous proceedings of the legislature, it presented 
the first occasion, which was thought a fit one, for openly assault- 
ing a character around which the affections of the people had 
thrown an armour theretofore deemed sacred, and for directly 
criminating the conduct of the President himself. It was only by 
opposing passion to passion, by bringing the feeling in favor of 
France into conflict with that in favor of the chief magistrate, 
that the enemies of his administration could hope to obtain the 
victory. 

As soon as the commotions which succeeded the deposition of 
Louis XVI. had in some degree subsided, the attention of the 
French government was directed to the United States ; and the 
resolution was taken to replace the minister who had been ap- 
pointed by the king, with one who might be expected to enter 
more zealously into the views of the republic. 

The citizen Genet, a gentleman of considerable talents and of 
an ardent temper, was selected for that purpose. 

The letters which he brought to the executive, and his instruc- 
tions, which he occasionally communicated, were highly flattering 
to the nation, and decently respectful to its government. But he 
was also furnished with private instructions, which subsequent 
events tempted him to publish. These indicate that, should the 
American executive prove to be not sufficiently compliant with the 
views of France, the resolution was taken to employ with the peo- 
ple of the United States, the same policy which had been so suc- 
cessful with those of Europe. 

On the 8th of April, Mr. Genet arrived, not at Philadelphia, but 

Did Washington forbid all interference of American citizens, in the contest 
between Fraiice and her enemies ? Was he censured for this prudent policy ? 
What was the conduct of the new French minister, citizen Genet? 



310 MARSHALL'S 

at Charleston ; a port whose contiguity to the West Indies gave 
it peculiar advantages as a resort for privateers. He was received 
by the Governor of tlie state, and by its citizens, with an enthu- 
siasm well calculated to dissipate any doubt concerning the dispo- 
sitions on which he was to operate. During his stay at that place, 
he undertook to authorize the fitting and arming of vessels, enlist- 
ing men, and giving commissions to commit hostilities on nations 
with whom the United States were at peace. Tlje captures made 
by these cruisers were brought into port, and the consuls of Franco 
were assuming, under the authority of Mr. Genet, to hold courts 
of admiralty for their trial, condemnation, and sale. 

On the 16th of May, Mr. Genet arrived at the seat of govern- 
ment, preceded by the intelligence of his transactions in South 
Carolina. Means had been taken to render his entry triumphal ; 
and the opposition papers exultingly stated that he was met at 
Gray's ferry by " crowds of people, who flocked from every ave- 
nue of the city to meet the republican ambassador of an allied 
nation." 

The day succeeding his arrival, he received addresses of con- 
gratulation from particular societies, and from the citizens of Phi- 
ladelphia, who waited on him in a body, in which they expressed 
their fervent gratitude for the zealous and disinterested aids which 
the French people had furnished to America, unbounded exultation 
at the success of their arms, and a positive conviction that the 
safety of the United States depended on the establishment of the 
republic. The answers to these addresses were well calculated 
to preserve the idea of a complete fraternity between the people of 
the two nations. 

The day after being thus accredited by the citizens of Philadel- 
phia, Mr. Genet was presented to the President, by whom he was 
received with expressions of a sincere and cordial regard for his 
nation. In the conversation which took place, he gave the most 
explicit assurances that France did not wish to engage the United 
States in the war. 

Before the ambassador of the republic had reached the seat of 
government, a long catalogue of complaints, partly founded on 
his proceedings in Charleston, had been presented by the British 
Minister to the American executive. These were still farther ag- 
gravated by the commission of actual hostilities within the United 
States. The ship Grange, a British vessel, which had sailed from 
Philadelphia, was captured by the French frigate L'Ambuscade, 
within the capes of the Delaware. 

The prizes thus unwarrantably made, being brought within th© 

What was the procedure of Genet at Charleston ? Relate the manner of 
his reception in Philadelphia. What assurance did he make to the President ? 
Mention the matter of complaint by the British minister. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 311 

power of the American government, Mr. Hammond demanded their 

restitution. 

On many of the points suggested by the conduct of Mr. Genet, 
and by the memorials of the British minister, it would seem im- 
possible that a difference of opinion could exist among intelligent 
men, not under the dominion of blind infatuation. Accordingly, 
it was agreed, without a dissenting voice, in the cabinet, that the 
jurisdiction of every independent nation, within its own territory, 
being of a nature to exclude the exercise of any authority therein 
by a foreign power, the proceedings complained of, not being war- 
ranted by treaty, were usurpations of national sovereignty, and 
violations of neutral rights, a repetition of which it was the duty 
of the government to prevent. 

The question of restitution, except as to the Grange, was more 
dubious. The Secretary of State and the Attorney -General were 
of opinion that vessels which had been captured on the high seas, 
and brought into the ports of the United States, by vessels fitted 
out and commissioned in their ports, ought not to be restored. 
The Secretaries of the Treasury and of War were of a different 
opinion. 

The President took time to deliberate on the point on whicii his 
cabinet was divided. Those principles on which they were united 
being considered as settled, the Secretary of State was desired to 
communicate them to the ministers of France and Britain ; and 
circular letters were addressed to the executives of the several 
states, requiring their co-operation, with force if necessary, in the 
execution of the rules which were established. 

The citizen Genet was much dissatisfied with these decisions. 
He thought them contrary to natural right, and subversive of the 
treaties by which the two nations were connected. Intoxicated 
with the sentiments expressed by a great portion of the people, and 
not appreciating the firm character of the executive, he seems to 
have expected that the popularity of his nation would enable him 
to overthrow that department, or to render it subservient to his 
views. It is difficult otherwise to account for his persisting to dis- 
regard its decisions, and for passages with which his letters 
abound, such as the following. 

" Every obstruction by the government of the United States to 
the arming of French vessels, must be an attempt on the rights 
of man, upon which repose the independence and laws of the 
United States — a violation of the ties which unite the people of 
France and America, and even a manifest contradiction of the 
system of neutrality of the President; for in fact, if our merchant 

What was the decision upon the matters urg-ed by the British minister ? 
When the President had taken his course in upholding neutrality, what feel- 
ing was entertained by Genet ? State the substance of one of his letters to 
the executive. 



312 MARSHALL'S 

vessels, or others, are not allowed to arm themselves, when the 
French alone are resisting the league of all the tyrants against the 
liberty of the people, they will be exposed to inevitable ruin in 
going out of the ports of the United States ; which is certainly not 
the intention of the people of America. Their fraternal voice has 
resounded from every quarter around me, and their accents arc 
not equivocal. They are pure as the hearts of those by whom 
they are expressed ; and the more they have touched my sensi- 
bility, the more they must interest in the happiness of America the 
nation I represent ; the more I wish, sir, that the federal govern- 
ment would observe, as far as in their power, the public engage- 
ments contracted by both nations ; and that, by this generous and 
prudent conduct, they will give at least to the world, the example 
of a true neutrality, which does not consist in the cowardly aban- 
donment of their friends in the moment when danger menaces them, 
but in adhering strictly, if they can do no better, to the obligations 
they have contracted with them. It is by such proceeding that 
they will render themselves respectable to all the powers — that 
they will preserve their friends, and deserve to augment their 
numbers." 

A few days previous to the reception of the letter from which 
the foregoing extract is taken, two citizens of the United States, 
who had been engaged by Mr. Genet, in Charleston, to cruise in 
the service of France, were arrested by the civil magistrate, in 

% 

release, in the following extraordinary terms : »^ 

*' I have this moment been informed that two officers in the ser- 
vice of the republic of France, citizen Gideon Henfield and John 
Singletary, have been arrested on board the privateer of the French 
republic, the Citizen Genet, and conducted to prison. The crime 
laid to their charge — the crime which my mind cannot conceive, 
and which my pen almost refjses to state — is the serving of 
France, and defending, with her children, the common glorious 
cause of liberty. 

" Being ignorant of any positive law or treaty which deprives 
Americans of this privilege, and authorizes officers of police arbi- 
trarily to take mariners, in the service of France, from on board 
their vessels, I call upon your intervention, sir, and that of the 
President of the United States, in order to obtain the immediate 
releasement of the above-mentioned officers, w^ho have acquired, 
by the sentiments animating them, and by the act of their engage- 
ment, anterior to every act to the contrary, the right of French 
citizens, if they have lost that of American citizens." 

What was the demand urged in another extraordinary letter from tji€ 
French ambassador to the American administration? 



pursuance of a determination of the executive to prosecute persons 
havin<T thus offended arainst the laws. Mr. Genet demanded thei 



•& 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 318 

Though this lofly offensive style could not fail to make a deep 
impression on a mind penetrated with a just sense of those obliga- 
tions by which the Chief Magistrate is bound to guard the dignity 
of his government, and to take care that his nation be not degraded 
in his person, yet, in no single instance did the administration 
permit itself to be betrayed into the use of one intemperate ex- 
pression. 

The deliberate perseverance of Mr. Genet in this open defiance 
of the executive, appears to have been occasioned by a belief that 
the sentiments of the people were in direct opposition to the mea- 
sures of their government. So excessive were the demonstrations 
of enthusiastic devotion to France, so thin was the veil which co- 
vered the Chief Magistrate from that stream of malignant oppro- 
brium directed against every measure which thwarted the views of 
this minister, that a person less sanguine than Mr. Genet might 
have cherished the hope <ff being able ultimately to triumph over 
the opposition to his designs. 

The press, too, to a great extent, was enlisted in his cause. In 
various modes, that important engine contributed its powerful aid 
to the extension of opinions calculated to vary the situation of the 
United States. The proclamation of neutrality, which was de- 
nominated a royal edict, was not only considered as assuming 
powers not belonging to the executive, and as proving the mo- 
narchical tendencies of that department, but as demonstrating its 
disposition to break the connexion with France, and to dissolve the 
friendship which united the people of the two republics. 

With infectious enthusiasm, it was contended that there was a 
natural and inveterate hostility between monarchies and republics; 
that the combination against France was a combination against 
liberty in every part of the world ; and that the destinies of Ame- 
rica were inseparably linked to those of the French republic. 

On every point of controversy between the executive and Mr. 
Genet, this powerful party openly embraced the principles for 
which that minister contended. He was exhorted not to relax in 
his endeavors to maintain the just rights of his country ; and was 
assured, that he would find a firm and certain support in the affec- 
tions of the people. 

These principles and opinions derived considerable aid from the 
labors and intrigues of certain societies who had constituted them- 
selves the guardians of American liberty. 

Soon af^er the arrival of Mr. Genet, a democratic society was 
formed in Philadelphia, on the model of the Jacobin Club in Paris; 
and, to give the more extensive operation to their labors, a corres- 

To what may we attribute the persuasion under which Genet acted, in his 
defiance of the American executive ? What course was, in general, taken 
by tlie public press, regarding France ? 
27 



314 MARSHALL'S 

ponding committee was appointed, through whom they were to 
communicate with other similar societies throughout the United 
States. 

Faithful to their founder, and true to the real objects of the asso- 
ciation, these societies continued to be the resolute champions of 
all the encroachments attempted by the agents of the French re- 
public on the government of the United States, and the steady de- 
famers of the views and measures of the American executive. 

The President was called to Mount Vernon on urgent business; 
and, in his absence, the heads of departments superintended the , 
execution of the rules which had been previously established. Irirjj 
formation being received that a vessel equipped as a privateer in « ■ 
the port of Philadelphia was about to sail on a cruise. Governor 
Mifflin was requested to inquire into the fact. Understanding that 
she was to sail the next day, under the name of Le Petit Demo- 
crat, the Governor, in pursuance of the instructions of the Presi- 
dent, sent Mr. Secretary Dallas for the purpose of prevailing on 
Mr. Genet to relieve him from the employment of force, by detain- 
ing the vessel until the arrival of the President. On receiving this 
communication, the minister gave way to the most extravagant 
passion. After much grossly unbecommg language, he said the 
President was not the sovereign of this country. The powers of 
peace and war being vested in Congress, it belonged to that body 
to decide questions which might involve peace or war : and the 
President, therefore, ought to have assembled the national legis- 
lature before he ventured to issue his proclamation of neutrality, 
or to prohibit, by his instructions to the state Governors, the en- 
joyment of the particular rights which France claimed under the 
express stipulations of the treaty of commerce. After many in- 
temperate expressions, he peremptorily refused to delay the de- 
parture of the privateer, and cautioned Mr. Dallas against any 
attempt to seize her, as she belonged to the republic, and would 
unquestionably repel force by force. 

Governor Mifflin ordered out one hundred and twenty militia, 
and communicated the case to the officers of fhe executive govern- 
ment. Mr. Jefferson waited on Mr. Genet, in the hope of prevail- 
ing on him to detain the privateer in port till the arrival of the 
President. The minister indulged himself in a repetition of nearly 
the same violent language he had used to Mr. Dallas, and persisted 
in refusing to detain the vessel. The threat that, should an attempt 
be made to take possession of the vessel, force would be repelled 
by force, was renewed. 

He afterwards said she would change her position, and fall 

In the absence of the President at Mount Vernon, what dispute arose re- 
specting a French privateer, and how did the French minister demean him- 
self on the occasion ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 315 

down the river a small distance on that day ; but was not yet 
ready to sail. 

Mr. Jefferson stated to Governor Mifflin his conviction that the 
privateer would remain in the river until the President should de- 
cide on her case, in consequence of which the Governor dismissed 
the militia, and requested the advice of the heads of departments. 
Both the Governor and Mr. Jefferson stated that Mr. Dallas, in 
reporting his conversation with Mr. Genet, said that Mr. Genet 
threatened, in express words, " to appeal to the people." 

Thus braved and insulted in the very heart of the empire, the 
Secretaries of the Treasury and of War were of opinion that, if 
the vessel should attempt to depart before the decision of the Pres- 
ident could be obtained, military coercion should be employed to 
arrest her progress at Mud island. The Secretary of State dis- 
senting from this opinion, the measure was not adopted ; and the 
vessel fell down to Chester before the arrival of the President, and 
sailed on her cruise before the power of the government could be 
interposed. 

On the 11th of July, while the Little Democrat lay at Chester, 
the President reached Philadelphia, and requested a meeting of his 
cabinet ministers the next morning at nine. 

Among the papers placed in his hands by the Secretary of State, 
who had retired indisposed to his seat in the country, were those 
relating to the Little Democrat. On reading them, the President 
addressed a letter to him, in which he asked, " Is the minister of 
the French republic to set the acts of government at defiance with 
impunity, and threaten the executive with an appeal to the people? 
What must the world think of such conduct, and of the Am.erican 
government in submitting to it ?" 

In answer to this letter, the Secretary stated the assurances 
which had on that day been given him by Mr. Genet, that the 
vessel would not sail before the President's decision respecting her 
should be made. Immediate coercive measures were suspended ; 
and, in the council of the next day, it was determined to retain all 
privateers in port, which had been equipped by any of the bellige- 
rents within the United States. In contempt of this determination, 
the Little Democrat sailed on her cruise. 

In this, as in every effort made by the executive to maintain the 
neutrality of the United States, that great party, which denominated 
itself " THE PEOPLE," could perceive only a settled hostility to 
France and to liberty, a tame subserviency to British policy, and 
a desire to engage America in the war, for the extirpation of re- 
publican principles. 

Did the French privateer sail on her cruise, notwithstanding the decision 
of the American government ? In what light did the people view the efforts 
pf the President to maintain the duties of neutrality ? 



316 MARSHALL'S 

The administration received additional evidence of the difficulty 
of executing its system, in the acquittal of Gideon Henfield, who 
had been prosecuted in pursuance of the advice of the Attorney- 
General. 

As the trial approached, a great degree of sensibility was dis- 
played, and the verdict of acquittal was celebrated with the most 
extravagant marks of exultation. It bereaved the government of 
the strength to be derived from the opinion that punishment might 
be legally inflicted on those who should openly violate the rules 
prescribed for the preservation of neutrality. 

About this time a question of considerable importance was pre- 
sented to the consideration of the executive. 

The principle that free bottoms make free goods was engrafted 
into the treaty of commerce with France, but no stipulation on the 
subject had been made with England. It followed that the bellige- 
rent rights of Britain were to be decided by the law of nations. 
Construing this law to give security to the goods of a friend in the 
bottoms of an enemy, and to subject the goods of an enemy to 
capture in the bottoms of a friend, the British cruisers took French 
property out of American vessels, and their courts condemned il 
as lawful prize. 

Mr. Genet had remonstrated against the acquiescence of the 
executive in this exposition of the law of nations, in such terms as 
he was accustomed to employ. On the 9th of July, in the midst 
of the contest respecting the Little Democrat, he had written a let- 
ter demanding an immediate and positive answer to the question, 
what measures the President had taken or would take to cause the 
American flag to be respected. 

Towards the close of July, Mr. Genet again addressed the Sec- 
retar}^ of State on the subject. After complaining of the insults 
offered to the American flag by seizing the property of French- 
men confided to its protection, he added, " your political rights are 
counted for nothing." " In vain does the desire of preserving 
peace, lead to sacrifice the interest of France to that of the mo- 
ment, in vain does the thirst of riches preponderate over honor in 
the political balance of America ; all this management, all this 
condescension, all this humility, end in nothing; our enemies 
laugh at it ; and the French, too confident, are punished for having 
believed that the American nation had a flag, that they had some 
respect for their laws, some conviction of their strength, and en- 
tertained some sentiment of their dignity." "If our fellow-citizens 
have been deceived, if you are not in a condition to maintain the 
sovereignty of your people, speak ; we have guarantied it when 

Was the executive able to enforce the laws by punisliing the violators of 
neutrality ? What question arose respecting- the liabilities of goods belong, 
ing to belligerents, when shipped in neutral bottoms ? State the substance 
of Genet's letter on this subject ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 317 

slaves, we shall be able to render it formidable having become 
freemen." 

On the day preceding the date of this offensive letter, the Sec- 
retary of State had answered that of the 9th ; and, without notic- 
ing the unbecoming style in which the decision of the executive 
was demanded, had avowed and defended the opinion that by the 
general law of nations the goods of an enemy found in the vessels 
of a friend, are lawful prize. This fresh insult might therefore be 
passed over in silence. 

While a hope remained that the forbearance of the executive, 
and the unceasing manifestations of its friendly dispositions towards 
the French republic, might induce the minister of that nation to 
respect the rights of the United States, an anxious desire not to 
impair the harmony which subsisted between the two re{)ublics, 
had restrained the President from adopting those measures respect- 
ing Mr. Genet, which the conduct of that gentleman required. 
But the full experiment had now been made ; and the result was a 
conviction that moderation would only invite additional injuries. 

The judgment of the President was never hastily formed ; but, 
once formed, it was seldom to be shaken. In a cabinet council, it 
was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to Mr. 
Morris, the minister of the United States at Paris, stating the con- 
duct of Mr. Genet, reviewing the points of difference between the 
government and that gentleman, assigning the reasons for the opi- 
nions of the former, and desiring the recall of the latter ; directing 
also that this letter, with those which had passed between the Sec- 
retary of State and Mr. Genet, should be laid before the executive 
of the French government. 

An adequate idea of the passion it excited in Mr. Genet, who 
received the communication in September, at New York, can be 
produced only by a perusal of his letter addressed, on that occa- 
sion, to the Secretary of State. The asperity of his language was 
not confined to the President, whom he still set at defiance, nor to 
those " gentlemen who had been painted to him so often as aristo- 
crats and partisans of England." Its bitterness was also extended 
to the Secretary of State himself, who had, he said, " initiated him 
into mysteries which had inflamed his hatred against all those who 
aspire to an absolute power." 

During these deliberations, Mr. Genet was received in New York 
with the same marks of unlimited attaclmient which had been ex- 
hibited in the more southern states. At this place too, lie mani- 
fested the same desire to encourage discontent at the conduct of the 
government, and to embark America in the quarrel by impressing 

Did the American g^overnment request that of France to recall Mr. Genet? 
What additional insolence was exhibited by that minister, when he became 
acquainted with this communication ? 
27* 



318 MARSHALL'S 

the opinion that the existence of Hberty depended on the success 
of the French repubhc. 

While these exertions were successfully making to give increased 
force to opinions which might subvert the system adopted by the 
executive, Mr. Jay and Mr. King arrived in New York from Phi- 
ladelphia. They had been preceded by a report that the French 
minister had avowed a determination to appeal from the President 
to the people. These gentlemen were asked whether the report 
was true, and had answered that it was. 

On being repeatedly required in the public papers to admit or 
deny that they had made this assertion, they published a certifi- 
cate avowing that they had made the declaration imputed to them. 

This communication made a serious impression on reflecting 
men. The recent events in Poland, whose dismemberment and 
partition were readily traced to the admission of foreign influence, 
gave additional solemnity to the occurrence, and led to a more 
intent consideration of the awful causes which would embolden a 
foreign minister to utter such a threat. In every quarter of the 
Union the people assembled in their districts, and the strength of 
parties was tried. The contest was warm and strenuous. But 
public opinion appeared to preponderate greatly in favor of neu- 
trality, and of the proclamation by which its observance was 
directed. Yet it was not to be concealed that the arrogance of Mr. 
Genet, his direct insults to the President, and the attachment which 
many, who opposed the general measures of the administration, 
still retained for the person of that approved patriot, contributed 
greatly to the prevalence of the sentiment which was called forth 
by the occasion. 

Foreseeing the effect which the certificate of Mr. Jay and Mr. 
King might have, Mr. Genet sought to defeat its influence by ques- 
tioning its veracity. Although it was well understood that the ex- 
ceptionable expressions liad not been used to the President or in 
his presence, he addressed a letter to the chief magistrate, which, 
being written for publication, was itself the act he had threatened. 
In this letter he subjoined to a detail of his accusations against the 
executive, the demand of an explicit declaration that he had never 
intimated to him an intention to appeal to the people. 

In answer, the Secretary of State said, " the President does not 
conceive it to be within the line of propriety or duty, for him to 
bear evidence against a declaration, which, whether made to him 
or others, is perhaps immaterial ; he therefore declines interfering 
in the case." 

Immense efforts were made to direct the censure merited by 

What evidence established the fact that Genet had threatened to appeal 
from the American government to the people ? Did the nation sustain the 
President in his neutral course ? What direct communication was made by 

Genet to Washington ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 319 

these expressions, against those who had communicated them to 
the public. The darkest motives were assigned for the disclosure, 
and the reputation of those who made it, has scarcely been res- 
cued by a lapse of years, and by a change of the subjects of con- 
troversy, from the peculiar party odium with which they were, at 
the time, overwhelmed. 

Sentiments of a still more extraordinary character were openly 
avowed. The people alone being in a republic the source of all 
power, it was asserted that if Mr. Genet dissented from the inter- 
pretation given by the President to existing treaties, he might 
rightfully appeal to the real sovereign whose agent the President 
was. 

While insult was thus added to insult, fresh instances of the at- 
tempts of Mr. Genet to violate the neutrality of the United States 
were perpetually recurring. Among these was an outrage com- 
mitted in Boston, too flagrant to be overlooked. 

A schooner brought as a prize into the port of Boston by a 
French privateer was claimed by the British owner, who instituted 
proceedings at law for the purpose of obtaining a decision on the 
validity of the capture. She was rescued from the possession of 
the marshal by an armed force acting under the authority of Mr. 
Duplaine the French Consul, which was detached from a frigate 
then lying in port. Until the frigate sailed, she was guarded by a 
part of the crew ; and, in contempt of the determination that Con- 
suls should not exercise prize jurisdiction within the United States, 
Mr. Duplaine declared his purpose to take cognizance of the case. 

It was impossible for the President to submit to this act of open 
defiance. The exequatur which had been granted to Mr. Du- 
plaine was revoked, and he was forbidden further to exercise the 
consular functions. Even this necessary measure could not escape 
censure. The self-proclaimed champions of liberty discovered in 
it a violation of the constitution, and a new indignity to France. 

Mr. Genet did not confine his attempts to wield the force of 
America against the enemies of his country, to maritime enter- 
prises. He planned an expedition against Florida, to be carried 
on from Georgia ; and another against Louisiana, to be carried 
on from Kentucky. Intelligence was received, that the principal 
officers were engaged ; and the temper of the people inhabiting 
the western country furnished some grounds for the apprehension, 
that the restraints which the executive could impose would be 
found too weak to prevent the execution of these measures. The 
course of Britain and Spain, by furnishing weapons to the enemies 
of neutrality, rendered the task of the executive still more arduous. 

Mention the new outrage at Boston, against the American authorities. 
What did Washington determine, in this case ? Did Genet proceed still 
further, and plan military expeditions ? 



320 MARSHALL'S 

The avidity with which the neutral merchants pressed forward to 
reap the rich harvest offered to them by the wants of France, 
presented a harvest not less rich to the cruisers of her enemies. 
Captures to a great extent were made, and the irritations insepa- 
rable from disappointment in gathering any of the expected fruits 
of a gainful traffic, were communicated extensively to the agricul- 
tural part of society. 

The vexations on the ocean to which neutrals are commonly 
exposed during war, were aggravated by a measure of the British 
cabinet, which war was not supposed to justify. 

The vast military exertions of the French Republic had carried 
many cultivators of the earth into the field, and the measures of 
government had discouraged labor, by rendering its profits inse- 
cure. These causes, aided perhaps by unfavorable seasons, had 
produced a scarcity which threatened famine. This state of things 
suggested to their enemies the policy of increasing the internal 
distress, by cutting off the external supply. The British cruisers 
were instructed " to stop all vessels loaded wholly or in part with 
corn, flour, or meal, bound to any port in France, or any port 
occupied by the armies of France, and to send them to such port 
as shall be most convenient, in order that such corn, meal, or 
flour, may be purchased on behaif of his Majesty's government, 
and the ships be relieved after such purchase, and after a dae al- 
lowance for freight ; or that the masters of such ships, on giving 
due security, to be approved by the Court of Admiralty, be per- 
mitted to proceed, to dispose of their cargoes of corn, meal, or 
flour, hi the ports of any country in amity with his Majesty." 

This attempt to make a principle which was understood to be 
applicable only to blockaded places, subservient to the impractica- 
ble plan of starving an immense agricultural nation, was resisted 
with great strength of reasoning, by the administration; and 
added, not inconsiderably, to the resentments felt by the great 
body of the people. 

Hostilities on the ocean disclosed still another source of irrita- 
tion, which added its copious stream to the impetuous torrent 
which threatened to sweep America into the war that desolated 
Europe. 

The British government had long been accustomed to man their 
fleet by impressment. Merchantmen in their ports, and even at 
sea, were visited, and mariners taken out of them. The profits 
of trade enabling neutral merchants to give high wages, British 
sailors entered their service in great numbers; but the neutral 
ship furnished no protection. 

Why did Great Britain endeavor to exclude provisions from the French 
ports ? What vras the efTect of this course in the United States ? What new 
cause of controversy added to the difficulty ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 321 

The Americans were peculiarly exposed to the abuse to which 
such usages are liable. The distinction between them and the 
English was not always so visible as to prevent unintentional 
error ; nor were the captains of ships of war at all times very so- 
licitous to avoid mistakes. Native Americans, therefore, were 
frequently impressed. 

The British cabinet disclaimed all pretensions to the impress- 
ment of American citizens, and declared their v/illingness to dis- 
charge them, on the establishment of their citizenship ; but time 
was necessary to procure these testimonials. There was, too, 
one class of citizens, concerning whose rights a difference of 
opinion prevailed, which has not yet been adjusted. These were 
British subjects who had been naturalized in the United States. 

The continuance of the Indian war added still another item to 
the catalogue of discontents. 

The efforts of the United States to make a treaty with the 
savages of the Miamis, had been disappointed. The question of 
boundary could not be adjusted. It was extensively believed, that 
the treaty was defeated by British influence. 

The causes of discontent which were furnished by Spain, 
though less the theme of public declamation, continued to be con- 
siderable. That which related to the Mississippi, was peculiarly 
embarrassing. The opinion had been industriously circulated, 
that an opposition of interests existed between the eastern and the 
western people, and that the endeavors of the executive to open 
this great river were feeble and insincere. At a meeting of the 
Democratic Society, in Lexington, Kentucky, this sentiment was 
unanimously avowed, in terms of extreme disrespect to the govern- 
ment ; and a committee was appointed to open a correspondence 
with the inhabitants of the whole western country, for the purpose 
of uniting them on this all-important subject, and of preparing a 
remonstrance to the President and Congress of the United States, 
to be expressed " in the bold, decent, and determined language, pro- 
per to be used by injured freemen, when they address the servants 
of the people." They claimed much merit for having thus long 
abstained from using the means they possessed, for the assertion 
of " a natural and unalienable right ;" and indicated the opinion, 
that this forbearance could not be long continued. The probability 
that the public expression of these dangerous dispositions would 
perpetuate the evil, could not moderate them. This restless tem- 
per gave additional importance to the project of an expedition 
against Louisiana, which had been formed by Mr. Genet. 

The apprehension of hostilities with Spain, was strengthened by 

What is said respecting the impressment of American citizens, by the 
cruisers of Great Britain ? Was the Indian war still continued ? Did Spain 
also furnish cause of discontent to the people of the west ? 



322 MARSHALL'S 

private communications. The government had received intelli- 
gence from their ministers in Europe, that propositions had been 
made by the cabinet of Madrid to that of Lpndon, the object of 
which was the United States. The precise nature of these propo- 
sitions was not ascertained ; but it was understood generally, that 
their tendency was hostile. 

Thus unfavorable to the pacific views of the executive, werc 
the circumstances under which Congress was to assemble. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

Meeting of Congress. — President's speech. — His message on foreign relations. — Report 
of the Secretary of State. — His resignation. — Is succeeded by Mr. Randolph. — Mr 
Madison's resolutions, founded on the report of the Secretary of State.— Debate there- 
on. — Mission of Mr. Jay to Great Britain. — Inquiry into the conduct of the Secretary 
of the Treasury.— Internal taxes.— Congress adjourns. 

A MALIGNANT fcvcr, belicvcd to be infectious, had severely 
afflicted the city of Philadelphia, and dispersed the officers of go- 
vernment. Although the fear of contagion was not entirely dis- 
pelled, such was the expectation that important communications 
would be made by the executive, and that legislative measures, 
not less important, would be founded on them, that Congress was 
full on the first day. 

On the 4th of December, at twelve, the President met both 
Houses in the Senate chamber. His speech commenced with his 
own re-election, his feelings at which were thus expressed : — 

" Since the commencement of the term for which I have been 
again called into office, no fit occasion has arisen for expressing 
to my fellow-citizens at large the deep and respectful sense which 
I feel of the renewed testimony of public approbation. While, on 
tlie one hand, it awakened my gratitude for all those instances of 
affectionate partiality with which I have been honored by my 
country, on the other, it could not prevent an earnest wish for 
that retirement from which no private consideration could ever 
have torn me. But, influenced by the belief that my conduct 
would be estimated according to its real motives, and that the 
people, and the authorities derived from them, would support ex- 
ertions having nothing personal for their object, I have obeyed 
the suffrage which commanded me to resume the executive power; 
and I humbly innplore that Being on whose will the fate of nations 
depends, to crown with success our mutual endeavors for the gen- 
eral happiness." 

Did Congress assemble as usual in Philadelphia, notwithstanding some 
apprehension from the sickness which had prevailed there ? State the si*h. 
stance of the President's speech to Congress. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 823 

Passing to those measures which had been adopted by the ex- 
ecutive for the regulation of its conduct towards the belligerent 
nations, he observed, " as soon as the war in Europe had em- 
braced those powers with whom the United States have the most 
extensive relations, there was reason to apprehend that our inter- 
course with them might be interrupted, and our disposition to peace 
drawn into question by suspicions too often entertained by bellige- 
rent nations. It seemed, therefore, to be my duty to admonish ouf 
citizens of the consequence of a contraband trade, and of hostile 
acts to any of the parties ; and to obtain, by a declaration of the 
existing state of things, an easier admission of our rights to the 
immunities belonging to our situation. Under these impressions, 
the proclamation, which will be laid before you, was issued. 

" In this posture of affairs, both new and delicate, I resolved to 
adopt general rules, which should conform to the treaties, and as- 
sert the privileges of the United States. These were reduced to a 
system; which shall be communicated to you." 

After suggesting those legislative provisions on this subject, the 
necessity of which had been pointed out by experience, he pressed 
on Congress the propriety of placing the country in a state of 
complete defence ; and earnestly recommended measures for tlie 
regular redemption and discharge of the public debt. 

On the succeeding day, a message was sent to both Houses, 
containing some important communications relative to the con- 
nexion of the United States with foreign powers. 

Afler stating the friendly disposition generally manifested by 
the French government, he added, " A decree, however, of the 
National Assembly, subjecting vessels laden with provisions to be 
carried into their ports, and making enemy-goods lawful prize in 
the vessel of a friend, contrary to our treaty, though revoked at 
one time as to the United States, has been since extended to their 
vessels also." 

" It is with extreme concern I have to inform you, that the per- 
son whom they have unfortunately appointed minister plenipoten- 
tiary here, has breathed nothing of the friendly spirit of the nation 
which sent him. The tendency, on the contrary, has been to 
involve us in a war abroad, and in discord and anarchy at home." 

The order issued by the British government on the 8th of June, 
and the consequent measures taken by the United States, were no- 
ticed. The discussions which had taken place in relation to the 
non-execution of the treaty of peace were also mentioned ; and 
the message was concluded with a reference to the negotiations 
with Spain. 

What was said by the President, respecting* his course towards bellige- 
rents ? Mention the substance of Washington's message to Congress up<ju 
the subject of relations with foreign powers. 



324 MARSHALL'S 

This message was accompanied with copies of the correspond- 
ence between the Secretary of State and the French minister ; and 
of the letter written by Mr. Jefferson to Mr. Morris. 

The strength of parties had been tried in the late elections ; and 
the opposition had derived so much aid from associating the cause 
of France with its own principles, as to furnish much reason to 
suspect that, in one branch of the legislature at least, it had be- 
come the majority. The first act of the House of Representatives 
served to strengthen this suspicion. Each party brought forward 
a candidate for the chair ; and Mr. Muhlenberg, who was support- 
ed by the opposition, was elected by a majority of ten votes over 
Mr. Sedgewic, who was supported by the federalists. 

The answers, however, to the speech breathed a spirit indicating 
that the leaders, at least, still venerated their Chief Magistrate ; 
and that no general intention, as yet, existed to involve him in the 
obloquy directed against his measures. 

The neighborhood of the Spanish colonies to the United- States, 
had given rise to various subjects of discussion in addition to those 
relating to boundary, and the navigation of the Mississippi. One 
of these had assumed a serious aspect. 

Having strong reason to suppose that the hostility of the south- 
ern Indians was excited by the agents of Spain, the President had 
directed the American commissioners at Madrid to make the pro- 
per representations on the subject, and to propose that each nation 
should, with good faith, promote the peace of the other with their 
savage neighbors. 

About the same time, the Spanish government entertained, or 
affected to entertain, suspicions of like hostile excitements by the 
agents of the United States, to disturb their peace with the same 
nations. These representations were accompanied with preten- 
sions to which the American executive could not be inattentive^ 
His Catholic Majesty claimed to be the protector of those Indians. 
He assumed a right to mediate between them and the United 
States, and to interfere in the settlement of their boundaries. At 
length, his representatives, complainingof the aggressions of Ame- 
rican citizens on the Indians, declared "that the continuation of 
the peace, good harmony, and perfect friendship of the two nations 
was very problematical for the future, unless the United States 
should take more convenient measures, and of greater energy than 
those adopted for a long time past." 

Though the pretensions of the French republic, as asserted by 
their minister, were still supported with enthusiastic zeal out of 
doors, they found no open advocate in the House. An attack on 

Did the opposition party elect their Speaker in the House of Representa- 
lives ? Mention the points of contention with Spain, and state wliat was 
said to the executive upon that subject. 



•life of WASHINGTON. 325 

the administration could be placed on no ground more disadvan- 
tageous than on its controversy with Mr. Genet. The conduct and 
language of that minister were offensive to reflecting men of all 
parties. To the various considerations growing out of the discus- 
sions themselves, and of the parties engaged in them, one was 
added which could not be disregarded. Tlie party in France, to 
which Mr. Genet owed his appointment, had lost its power ; and 
his fall was the inevitable consequence of the fall of his patrons. 
That he would probably be recalled was known in America ; and 
that his conduct had been disapproved, was generally believed. 
The future course of the French republic towards the United States 
could not be foreseen ; and it would be committing something to 
hazard, not to wait events. 

These objections did not exist to an indulgence of the national 
feeling towards the belligerent powers, in measures suggested by 
its resentment against Great Britain. 

In addition to the causes of dissatisfaction with Great Britain, 
which have already been suggested, others soon occurred. Under 
her auspices, a truce for one year had been lately negotiated be- 
tween Portugal and Algiers, which, by withdrawing a small squad- 
ron stationed by the former power in the Streights, opened a pas- 
sage into the Atlantic to the cruisers of the latter. The capture 
of American vessels, which was the immediate consequence of 
this measure, was believed in the United States to have been its 
motive. 

This transaction was afterwards ascribed by England to her de- 
sire to serve an ally, and to enable that ally to act more effica- 
ciously in a common cause. 

Early in the session, a report was made by the Secretary of 
State on the nature and extent of the privileges and restrictions of 
the commercial intercourse of the United States with foreign na- 
tions. 

Its statements and arguments tended to enforce the policy of 

making discriminations which might favor the commerce of the 

United States with France, and discourage that with England ; and 

i which might promote the increase of American navigation as a 

branch of industry, and a resource of defence. 

This was the last official act of the Secretary of State. He re- 
signed his office on the last day of December, and was succeeded 
by Mr. Edmund Randolph. The office of Attorney-General was 
filled by Mr. WilHam Bradford, a gentleman of considerable emi- 
nence in Pennsylvania. 

On the 4th of January, the House resolved itself into a com- 

What circumstance of change in France, rendered uncertain her future 
course ? What new difficulty occurred with Great Britain ? What changes 
took place in the American cabinet ? 



326 MARSHALL'S 

mittee of the whole on the report of the Secretary of State ; when 
Mr. Madison laid on the table a series of resolutions, which impos- 
ed additional duties on the manufactures and on the tonnage of 
vessels of nations not having a commercial treaty with the United 
States, while they reduced the duties already imposed on the ton- 
nage of vessels belonging to nations having such treaty. 

The debate commenced on the 13th of January, and continued 
until the 3d of February. It was eloquent, animated, and inte- 
resting. Party feelings were mingled with commercial policy; 
and all the strong passions which agitated the country were mani- 
fested in the House. Arguments on the general interests of the 
United States were also advanced, which still merit the attention 
of every American statesman. 

On the 3d of February, the first resolution was carried by a 
majority of five. The further consideration of the resolutions was 
then postponed until the first Monday in March. 

This animated debate was succeeded by another, on a question 
which also brought into full view, the systems of the opposite par- 
ties, on some of those great national subjects which determine the 
character of government. 

On the 2d of January, a resolution had been agreed to in the 
House of Representatives, declaring " that a naval force adequate 
to the protection of the commerce of the United States against the 
Algerine corsairs, ought to be provided." The force proposed 
was to consist of six frigates. 

This measure was founded on the communications of the Pre- 
sident respecting the improbability of being able to negotiate a 
peace with the Dey of Algiers ; and on undoubted information that 
the corsairs of that regency had, during their first short cruise in 
the Atlantic, captured eleven American merchantmen, and made 
upwards of one hundred prisoners ; and were preparing to renew 
their attack on the unprotected vessels of the United States. 

In every stage of its progress this bill was most strenuously op- 
posed. On no question had the influence of party feeling been 
more strongly exhibited. Not even the argument that it would be 
cheaper to purchase the protection of foreign powers than to afibrd 
it by a small naval force, was too humiliating to be urged. 

The original resolution was carried by a majority of two voices 
only ; but as the bill advanced, several members who were accus- 
tomed to vote in the opposition gave it their support; and, on the 
final question, a majority of eleven appeared in its favor. The 
other branch of the legislature concurred, and it received the cor- 
dial assent of the President. 

Mention the subject of an interesting debate in the House of Representa- 
tives. For what purpose was it proposed to increase the naval force ? Who 
opposed the measure ? Was it adopted ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 327 

Pending these discussions, the irritations in which they com- 
menced were greatly aggravated by accounts that captures of 
American vessels were made by British cruisers, to an extent alto- 
gether unprecedented ; and, early in March, an authentic paper 
\vas received which proved that these captures were not unau- 
thorized. 

On the 6th of November 1793, additional instructions had been 
issued to the ships of war and privateers of Great Britain, requir 
ing them to stop and detain all ships laden with goods, the pro 
duce of any colony belonging to France, or carrying provisions 
or other supplies to any such colony, and to bring the same, with 
their cargoes, to legal adjudication in the British courts of admi- 
ralty. 

These instructions made a serious impression on the most re- 
flecting men in the United States. It was believed that they origi- 
nated in a spirit of hostility which must lead to war ; and that it 
had become the part of prudence to prepare for that event. 

On the 12th of March, Mr. Sedgewic laid on the table several 
resolutions, the objects of which were, to raise a military force, and 
to authorize the President to lay an embargo. Two days after- 
wards, a motion was made to take up that which related to an 
embargo ; but this motion was negatived for the purpose of resum- 
ing the consideration of the commercial resolutions oifered by Mr. 
Madison. On the motion of Mr. Nicholas, those resolutions were 
amended so as to subject the manufactures of Great Britain alone, 
instead of those of ail nations having no commeroial treaty witn 
the United States, to the proposed augmentation of duties. They 
were again debated with great earnestness, but no decision was 
made on them. 

On the 21st of March, the motion authorizing the President to 
lay an embargo was negatived by a majority of two voices ; but 
in a few days, the consideration of that subject was resumed, and 
a resolution was passed, prohibiting all trade from the United 
States to any foreign port or place for thirty days, and empower- 
ing the President to carry the resolution into effect. This resolu- 
tion was accompanied with vigorous provisional measures for 
defence. 

While the measures of Congress indicated the expectation of 
war, a document made its appearance which seemed to show that 
Great Britain also was preparing for that event. This was the 
answer of Lord Dorchester, on the 20th of February, to a speech 
delivered by the deputies of a great number of Indian tribes as- 
sembled at Quebec. In this answer his lordship had openly 

What further aggressions were made by Great Britain on American com- 
merce ? Mention the various propositions connected with this subject, which 
were debated in Congress. What intimation was given by Lord Dorchester ? 



328 MARSHALL'S 

avowed the opinion, that a war between Great Britain and the 
United States was probable, and that a new line between the two 
nations must then be drawn by the sword. 

On the 27th of March, Mr. Dayton moved a resolution for se- 
questering all debts due to British subjects, and for taking means 
to secure their pajmnent into the treasury, as a fund out of which 
to indemnify the citizens of the United States for depredations 
committed on their commerce by British cruisers. 

The debate on this resolution was such as was to be expected 
from the irritable state of the public mind. Before any question 
was taken on it, Mr. Clarke moved a resolution to prohibit all 
intercourse with Great Britain until her government should make 
full compensation for all injuries done to the citizens of the United 
States, by armed vessels, or by any person or persons acting under 
the authority of the British King ; and until the western posts 
should be delivered up. 

On the 4th of April, the President laid before Congress a letter 
just received from Mr. Pinckney, communicating additional in- 
structions to the- commanders of British armed ships dated the 8th 
of January, which revoked those of the 6th of November, and 
directed British cruisers to brhig" in those neutral vessels only which 
were laden with cargoes, the produce of the French islands, and 
were on a direct voyage from those islands to Europe. 

This letter detailed a conversation with Lord Grenville in which 
his lordship explained the motives which led to the order of the 
^'!l"! of Ne- ember: It ^^SS in -ended to answer two purposes ; — 
one, to prevent the abuses which might be the consequence of the 
whole St. Domingo fleet having gone to the United States ; the 
other, on account of the attack designed upon the French West 
India islands by the armament under the command of Sir John 
Jarvis, and Sir Charles Grey ; but it was no longer necessary to 
continue the regulations for those purposes. Plis lordship added, 
that the order of the 6th of November did not direct the confisca- 
tion of all vessels trading w^ith the French islands, but only that 
they should be brought in for adjudication. 

The influence of this communication on the federal party was 
considerable. Believing that the differences between the two nations 
still admitted of adjustment, they opposed all measures which 
tended to irritate, or which might be construed into a dereliction o\ 
the neutral character they were desirous of maintaining ; but gave 
all their weight to those which might prepare the nation for .war 
should negotiation fail. 

No change of sentiment or of views was produced on the oppo- 

What was proposed by Mr. Dayton ? What by Mr. Clarke ? State the 
substance of a letter from Mr. Pinckney. What was the effect of this conv 
municatiou upon the federal party, and on their opponents ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 329 

site party. Their system seems to have been matured, and not to 
have originated in the feelings of the moment. Their propositions 
were still discussed with great animation ; but, notwithstanding an 
ascertained majority in their favor, were permitted to remain unde- 
cided, as if their fate depended on some extrinsic circumstance. 

Meanwhile, great exertions were made to increase the public 
agitation, and to stimulate the resentments which were felt ao-ainst 
Great Britain. The artillery of the press was played with unceas- 
ing fuiy, on the minority of the House of Representatives ; and 
the democratic societies brought their whole force into operation. 
Language will scarcely afford terms of greater outrage than were 
employed against those who sought to moderate the rage of the 
moment. 

The proceedings of the legislature continued to manifest a fixed 
purpose to pursue the system which had been commenced. That 
the nation was advancing rapidly to a state of war was firmly be- 
lieved by many intelligent men who doubted its necessity, and 
denied its policy. In addition to the calamities which must in any 
state of things result from the measure, there were considerations 
belonging exclusively to the moment which were certainly entitled 
to great respect. 

That war with Britain during the continuance of the passionate 
and almost idolatrous devotion of a great majority of the people 
to the French republic, would throw America so completely into 
the arms of France, as to leave her no longer mistress of her own 
conduct, was not the only fear which the temper of the day sug- 
gested. That the ferocious spirit which triumphed in that nation, 
and deluged it with the blood of its revolutionary champions, might 
cross the Atlantic, and desolate the hitherto safe and peaceful 
dwellings of the American people, was an apprehension not unsup- 
ported by appearances. Already had an imitative spirit, capti- 
vated with the splendor and copying the errors of a great nation, 
reared up self-created corresponding societies, who, claiming to be 
the people, assumed a control over the government, and were 
loosening its bonds. Already were the Mountain, and a revolu- 
tionary tribunal, favorite toasts ; and already were principles fami- 
liarly proclaimed, which, in France, had been the precursors of 
that tremendous and savage despotism, which, in the name of the 
people, and by the instrumentality of affiliated societies, had spread 
its terrific sway over that fine country, and had threatened to ex- 
tirpate all that was wise and virtuous. That a great majority of 
those statesmen who conducted the opposition would deprecate 
such a result, was no security against it. When the physical 

What engine was used to inflame the minds of the people ? To what ex- 
tent did certain societies imitate the French revolutionists ? What apprehen- 
sions might reasonably be entertained from the progress of such sentiments ? 

r 



330 MARSHALL'S 

force of a nation usurps the place of its wisdom, those who have 
produced such a state of things no longer control it. 

These apprehensions produced in those who felt them, an in- 
creased solicitude for the preservation of peace. Their aid was 
not requisite to confirm the judgment of the President. Fixed in 
his purpose of maintaining the neutrality of the United States until 
foreign aggression should clearly render neutrality incompatible 
with honor ; and conceiving from the last advices received from 
England, that the differences between the two nations had not yet 
attained that point, he determined to make one decisive effort which 
should either remove the ostensible causes of quarrel, or demon- 
strate the indisposition of Great Britain to remove them. This de- 
termination was executed by the nomination of an Envoy Extra- 
ordinary to his Britannic Majesty, which was announced to the 
Senate on the IGth of April, in the following terms : 

" The communications which I have made to you during your 
present session, from the despatches of our minister in London, 
contain a serious aspect of our affairs with Great Britain. But as 
peace ought to be pursued with unremitted zeal, before the last 
resource which has so often been the scourge of nations, and can- 
not fail to check the advanced prosperity of the United States, is 
contemplated, I have thought proper to nominate, and do hereby 
nominate John Jay, as Envoy Extraordinary of the United States 
to his Britannic Majesty. 

*' My confidence in our Minister Plenipotentiary in London, con- 
tinues undiminished. But a mission like this, while it corresponds 
with the solemnity of the occasion, will announce to the world a 
solicitude for the friendly adjustment of our complaints, and a re- 
luctance to hostility. Going immediately from the United States, 
such an Envoy will carry with him a full knowledge of the exist- 
ing temper and sensibility of our country ; and will thus be taught 
to vindicate our rights with firmness, and to cultivate peace with 
sincerity." 

No public act of the President has drawn on his administration 
a greater degree of censure than this. That such would be its 
effect could not be doubted by any person who had observed the 
ardor with which the opinions it thwarted had been embraced, or 
the extremity to which the contests and passions of the moment 
had carried all orders of men. But it is the province of real pa- 
triotism to consult the utility, more than the popularity of a mea- 
sure; and to pursue the path of duty although it may be rugged. 

In the Senate, the nomination was approved by a majority of 
ten voices ; and, in the House of Representatives, it was urged as 

Did Washington still aetermine to preserve peace, if consistent with the 
national honor ? With this view, upon what step did he resolve ? Did tho 
measure call forth disapprobation from tiie opposition ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 831 

an argument against persevering in the system which had been com- 
menced. On the 18th of April, however, the resolution for cut- 
ting off all commercial intercourse with Great Britain was carried 
in the affirmative ; and a bill conforming to it passed by a consi- 
derable majority. It was lost in the Senate by the casting vote 
of the Vice-President. The system of the House of Representa- 
tives was pressed no further. 

The altercations between the executive and the minister of the 
French republic had given birth to many questions on which a 
great diversity of sentiment prevailed. 

The opinion that the relations produced by existing treaties, and 
indeed by a state of peace independent of treaty, imposed obliga- 
tions on the United States, an observance of which it was the duty 
of the executive to enforce, had been reprobated with extreme bit- 
terness. It was contended, certainly by the most active, perhaps 
by the most numerous part of the community, not only that the 
treaties had been grossly misconstrued, but also that, under any 
construction of them, the interference of the executive required the 
sanction of the lemslature. The right of the President to call out 
the militia for the detention of privateers about to violate the rules 
be had established, was, in some instances, denied ; attempts to 
punish those who had engaged, within the United States, to carry 
on expeditions against foreign nations, were unsuccessful ; and a 
grand jury had refused to find a bill against Mr. Duplaine for 
having rescued a vessel which had been taken into custody by an 
officer of justice. The propriety of legislative provision was sug- 
gested by the President at the commencement of the session, and 
a bill was brought into the Senate " in addition to the act for 
punishing certain crimes against the United States." 

Necessary as this measure was, the whole strength of the oppo- 
sition was exerted to defeat it. Motions to strike out the most es- 
sential clause were repeated, and each motion was negatived by 
the casting vote of the Vice-President. It was only by his voice 
that the bill finally passed. In the House of Representatives also 
the bill encountered serious opposition, and a section which pro- 
hibited the sale of prizes in the United States was struck out. 

The preparations for an eventual war, and a heavy appropria- 
tion which, under the title of foreign intercourse, was made for 
the purpose of purchasing peace from Algiers, and liberating the 
Americans who were in captivity, created demands upon the trea- 
sury which the ordinary revenues were insufficient to satisfy. 

The Committee of Ways and Means reported several resolutions 
for extending the internal duties to various objects, for an augment- 
ation of the imposts, and for a direct tax. 

Mention the difficulties of the President in enforcing the laws. What act 
was passed ? What revenue measures were now necessary ? 



332 MARSHALL'S 

Only thirteen members voted for tlie direct tax. The augment- 
ation of the duty on imports met with no opposition. The inter- 
nal duties were introduced in separate bills, that each might en- 
counter those objections only which should be made to itself. A 
resolution in favor of stamps was rejected ; the others were car- 
ried, after repeated and obstinate debates. 

On the 9th of June, this active and stormy session was closed 
by an adjournment to the first Monday in November. 



CHAPTER XXXIT. 

Genet recalled.— Is succeeded by Mr. Fauchet.— Mr. Morris recalled.— Is succeeded by 
Mr. Monroe.— Kentucky Remonstrance. — Intemperate Resolutions of the people of 
tliat State.— General Wayne Defeats the Indians on the Miamis.— Insurrection in 
the western part of Pennsylvania. — Quelled. — Meeting of Congress. — President's 
Speech. — Democratic Societies. — Resignation of Colonel Hamilton. — He is succeeded 
by Mr. Wolcott.— Resignation of General Knox.— He is succeeded by Colonel Picker- 
ing. — Treaty with Great Britain.— Conditionally ratified. — Is unpopular. — Mr. Ran- 
dolph resigns.— Is succeeded by Colonel Pickering.— Mr. M'Henry appointed Secretary 
of War.— Charges against the President rejected.— Treaty with the Indians.— With 
Algiers.— With Spain.— Meeting of Congress.— President's Speech.— Mr. Adet suc- 
ceeds Mr. Fauchet.— The House of Representatives call on the President for papers. 
—He declines sending them.— Debates on the treaty-making power.— On the bill for 
making appropriations to carry the Treaty with Great Britain into effect.— Congress 
adjourns.— The President endeavours to procure the liberation of Lafayette. 

That the most material of those measures on which tne two 
great parties in the United States were divided might be presented 
in one unbroken view, some transactions have been passed over 
which will now be noticed. 

The resolution of the President to bear with the insults of Mr. 
Genet until his appeal to the French government should be fairly 
tried, was shaken by fresh proofs, received in January, of conduct 
which could not be tolerated. That minister had deliberately 
planned two expeditions to be carried on against the dominions of 
Spain, and .had granted commissions to citizens of the United 
States, who were privately recruiting troops for the service. The 
first was destined against the Floridas, and the second against 
Louisiana. That against the Floridas, while in progress, was fully 
developed by the vigilance of the legislature of South Carolina, 
and some of its principal agents were arrested. 

About the same time, intelligence was received that the expe- 
dition against Louisiana, which was to be carried on from Ken- 
tucky, down the Ohio, was in equal maturity. 

Believing further forbearance to be incompatible with the dignity, 

Were these bills passed ? What further proofs of improper conduct on the 
part of Genet, came to the knowledge of the President ? What body sup- 
pressed one of tiie contemplated expeditions ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 333 

perhaps with the safety of the United States, the cabinet came to 
the resolution of superseding his diplomatic functions ; and a mes- 
sage was prepared, communicating to Congress the determination 
to carry this measure into execution, unless it should be disap- 
proved by that body, when the business was arrested by a letter 
received from Mr. Morris, announcing the recall of this rash 
minister. 

His successor, Mr. Fauchet, arrived in February, and brought 
with him strong assurances that his government disapproved the 
conduct of his predecessor. 

Not long afterwards, the executive of France requested the re- 
call of Mr. Morris. Mr. Monroe, a senator from Virginia, who 
had embraced the cause of the French Republic with ardor, and 
was particularly acceptable to the party in opposition, was appoint- 
ed to succeed him. 

The discontents long fomented in the west, had assumed an 
alarming appearance. 

A remonstrance from the inhabitants of Kentucky, respecting 
the navigation of the Mississippi, was laid before the executive and 
each branch of the legislature. In the language of an offended 
sovereign people, injured by the maladministration of public ser- 
vants, it demanded the use of the Mississippi as a natural right, 
which had been unjustly wdthheld ; and charged the government 
openly with being under the influence of a local policy, which had 
prevented its mcikiiig a single real effort for the security of a good 
which was all-essential to the western people. Several intemperate 
aspersions on the legislature and executive were accompanied 
by threats obviousty pointing to dismemberment. 

Both branches of the legislature expressed their conviction, that 
the executive was urging the claim of the United States to the na- 
vigation of the Mississippi in the manner most likely to prove 
successful ; and the Senate added a resolution, " that the President 
of the United States be, and he is hereby required, to cause to be 
communicated to the executive of the state of Kentucky, such part 
of the existing negotiation between the United States and Spain, 
relative to this subject, as he may deem advisable, and consistent 
with the course of the negotiation." 

Flad the measures pursued in the western country been dic- 
tated exclusively by a wish to obtain an important good, these 
resolutions would have allayed the ferment. But when the real 
motives for human action are latent, it is vain to demonstrate the 
unreasonableness of those which are avowed. After they were 
received, a number of the principal citizens, from various parts of 

Who succeeded Mr. Genet as minister to the United States ? And who 
was the successor of Mr. Morris at Paris ? What were the declarations and 
intimations of a memorial from Kentucky ? 



J^34 M A R S H A L L'S 

Kentucky, assembled at Lexington, and passed other resolutions, 
breathing the same intemperate and dangerous spirit. 

These proceedings were intimately connected with the machi- 
nations of Mr. Genet. 

Authentic information of the measures taken by that minister, 
for the expedition against New Orleans, had been communicated 
to the Governor of Kentucky, so early as October, 1793, by Mr. 
Jefferson, with a request that he would use those means of pre- 
vention which the law enabled him to employ. This letter was 
accompanied with one from the Secretary of War, conveying the 
desire of the President, that should preventive means fail, he would 
employ military force to arrest the expedition ; and General 
Wayne was ordered to hold a body of troops at the disposal of 
the Governor, should he find the militia insufficient for his 
purpose. 

The Governor was apprised of the proposed expedition, but 
doubted the lawfulness of arresting *it; and was unwilling to ex- 
ercise the power, if he possessed it. On the reception of the very 
extraordinary letter which announced this determination, the Presi- 
dent directed General Wayne to estabhsh a post at fort Massac, 
on the Ohio, for the purpose of stopping by force, if peaceable 
means should fail, any body of armed men who should be pro- 
ceeding dov/n that river. 

This precaution appears to have been necessary. The prepa- 
rations for the expedition were still carried on with considerable 
activity ; and there is reason to believe that it was not absolutely 
relinquished until Spain ceased to be the enemy of France. 

While these turbulent scenes were acting, the loud plaudits of 
France were re-echoed from every part of the American continent. 
The friendship of that republic for the United States, her respect 
for their rights, the ingratitude with which her continuing benefits 
were repaid, the injustice done her by the executive, and its tame- 
ness under British insults, were the inexhaustible themes of loud, 
angry, and unceasing declamation. 

After the total failure of the attempt to treat with the hostile 
Indians, the campaign was opened with as much vigor as circum- 
stances would permit. It was too late to complete the preparations 
which would enable General Wayne to enter their country, and 
to hold it. He therefore contented himself with establishing his 
troops for the winter about six miles in advance of fort Jefferson, 
and taking possession of the ground on which the Americans had 
been defeated in 1791, on which he erected fort Recovery. These 
positions afforded considerable protection to the frontiers. 

Did tlie Governor of Kentucky decline to interfere with an expedition 
frainst New Orleans ? What was done towards subduing the Indian* ? 
Where was General Wayne posted ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 335 

The delays inseparable from the transportation of supplies 
through an uninhabited country, infested by an active enemy, pe- 
culiarly skilled in partisan war, unavoidably protracted the open- 
ing of the campaign until near midsummer. Meanwhile, several 
sharp skirmishes took place, in one of which a few white men 
were said to be mingled with the Indians. 

On the 8th of August, General Wayne reached the confluence 
of the Au Glaize and the Miamis of the Lakes. The richest set- 
tlements of the western Indians lay about this place. 

The mouth of the Au Glaize is distant about thirty miles from 
a post then occupied by the British, on the Miamis of the Lakes ; 
in the vicinity of which, the whole strength of the enemy, amount- 
ing, as General Wayne was informed, to rather less than two 
thousand men, was collected. The legion was not much inferior 
in number to the Indians ; and a reinforcement of eleven hundred 
mounted militia, commanded by General Scott, had been received 
from Kentucky. 

On the 15th of August, the American army advanced down 
the Miamis; and on the 18th, arrived at the rapids, where they 
halted, on the 19th, in order to erect a temporary work for the 
protection of the baggage, and to reconnoitre the situation of the 
enemy. 

The Indians were advantageously posted behind a thick wood, 
and behind the British fort. 

At eight, in the morning of the 20th, the American army ad- 
vanced in columns, the right flank of the legion covered by the 
Miamis. One brigade of mounted volunteers, commanded by 
General Todd, was on the left ; the other, commanded by General 
Barbee, brought up the rear. A select battalion, commanded by 
Major Price, moved in front of the legion. 

After marching about five miles, Major Price received a heavy 
fire from a concealed enemy, and was compelled to retreat. 

The Indians had chosen their ground with judgment. They 
had advanced into a thick wood in front of the British works, and 
had taken a position rendered almost inaccessible to horse by a 
quantity of fallen timber. They were drawn up in three lines, 
extending at right angles with the river, about two miles, and 
their immediate effort was to turn the left flank of the American 
firmy. 

On the discharge of the first rifle, the legion was formed in two 
lines, and the front was ordered to advance with trailed arms, and 
rouse the Indians from their covert at the point of the bayonet ; 
then, and not till then, to deliver a fire, and to press the fi.igitives 

Where did General Wayne halt his troops, and when did he advance on 
the Indians ? How were the savag-es posted ? In what manner did Wayne 
direct the attack to be commenced ? 



vT, 



336 MARSHALL'S 

too closely to allow them time to load after discharging their 
pieces. Perceiving that the enemy was endeavoring to turn the 
American left, the general ordered up the second line. The legion 
cavalry, led by Captain Campbell, was directed to penetrate be- 
tween the Indians and the river, in order to charge their left flank; 
and General Scott, at the head of the mounted volunteers, was di- 
rected to make a considerable circuit, and to turn their right. 

These orders were executed with spirit and promptitude ; but so 
impetuous was the charge made by the first line of infantry, so 
entirely was the enemy broken by it, and so rapid was the pursuit, 
that only a small part of the second line, and of the mounted vo- 
lunteers could get into the action. In the course of one hour, the 
Indians were driven more than two miles, through thick woods ; 
when the pursuit terminated within gun-shot of the British fort. 

•General Wayne remained three days on the banks of the Mia- 
mis, in front of the field of battle, during which time the houses 
and corn-fields above and below the fort, some of them within 
pistol-shot of it, were reduced to ashes. During these operations, 
a correspondence took place between General Wayne and Major 
Campbell, the commandant of the fort, which shows that hostilities 
between them were prevented only by the prudent acquiescence 
of the latter in this destruction of property within the range of his 
guns. 

On the 28th, the army returned to Auglaize by easy marches, 
destroying, on its route, all the villages and corn within fifty miles 
of the river. 

In this decisive battle, the loss of the Americans, in killed and 
wounded, amounted to one hundred and seven. Among the dead, 
was Captain Campbell of the cavalry, and Lieutenant Towles of 
the infantry. General Wayne bestowed great and well-merited 
praise on every part of the army. 

The hostility of the Indians still continuing, their whole country 
was laid waste, and forts were erected in the heart of their settle- 
ments, to prevent their return. 

This seasonable victory rescued the United States from a gene- 
ral war with the Indians. 

""About this time, the resistance to the execution of the law im- 
posing duties on spirits distilled within the United States, had ad- 
vanced, in the western counties of Pennsylvania, to a point which 
required the decisive interposition of government. 

In -consequence of a steady adherence to the system of counter- 
action, adopted by the executive, the law was slowly gaining 
ground, and several distillers in the disaffected country were in- 

Mention the result of the battle, and the loss of the Americans. What was 
the nature of Wayne's correspondence with a British officer ? Did the re- 
eistance to the government, in western Peuasylvania, still continue ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 337 

duced to comply with its requisites. Congress having at length pass- 
ed an act containing those provisions which had been sugg'ested by 
the chief of the Treasury Department, the malcontents^ perceived 
that the certain loss of a market for the article, added to the penal- 
ties to which delinquents were liable, would gradually induce a 
compliance on the part of the distillers, unless they could deprive 
the government of the means it employed for carrying the law into 
execution. 

Bills of indictment had been found in a court of the United 
States against some of the perpetrators of the outrages which had 
been committed, upon which, as well as against several of the 
non-complying distillers, process was directed to issue. 

On the 15th of July, while the marshal was in the execution of 
his duty, he was fired on by a party of armed men ; and, at day- 
break the ensuing morning, a party attacked the house of General 
Nevil the inspector, but were compelled to retreat. Apprehending 
that it would be repeated, he applied to the magistrates and militia 
officers for protection, but could obtain none. 

On the succeeding day, the insurgents reassembled to the num- 
ber of about five hundred man, to renew the attack. The inspector 
had obtained a detachment of eleven men from the garrison at fort 
Pitt, who were joined by Major Kirkpatrick. Successful resistance 
being hopeless, a parley took place, at which the assailants, after 
all their other demands were conceded, required that the party in 
the house should march out and ground their arms. This being 
refused, the assault commenced. The action continued until the 
assailants set fire to several adjacent buildings, which compelled 
the party defending the house to surrender. 

The marshal was seized on his way to General Nevil's house, 
and his life was threatened. He obtained his liberty only by en- 
tering into a solemn engagement to serve no more processes on 
the western side of the Allegheny Mountains. 

The perpetrators of these treasonable practices, desirous of dis- 
covering their latent enemies, intercepted the mail from Pittsburg 
to Philadelphia, and took out the letters it contained. On acquiring 
the intelligence they sought, delegates were deputed to Pittsburg, 
to demand the banishment of the offenders. The inhabitants of 
Pittsburg complied with this demand, and also agreed to assemble 
the next day in Braddock's field, and to elect delegates to a con- 
vention which was to meet on the 14th of August at Parkinson's 
ferry. The avowed objects of these outrages were to compel the 
resignation of all officers engaged in the collection of duties j to 
withstand the authority of the United States by force of arms ; to 

What civil process was employed against the malcontents in western 
Pennsylvania ? Did they resist ? What outrage against the marshal waa 
perpetrated ? And what violation of the mail ? 
29 



338 MARSHALL'S 

extort the repeal of the law imposing those duties : and to connpel 
an alteration in the conduct of the government. 

The opposition had now reached a point which seemed to forbid 
the continuance of a temporizing system. The alternative of sub- 
duing resistance, or of submitting to it, was presented to the go- 
vernment. 

The act of Congress, which provided for caUing forth the militia, 
required, as a prerequisite to the exercise of the power, that a judge 
should certify " that the laws of the United States were opposed, 
or their execution obstructed, by combinations too powerful to be 
suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by 
the powers vested in the marshals." It also provided, " that if 
the militia of the state where such combination may happen, shall 
refuse or be insufficient to suppress the same, the President may 
employ the militia of other states." 

The certificate of the judge having been obtained, the subject was 
again seriously considered in the cabinet ; and the Governor of 
Pennsylvania was also consulted. All concurred in the appoint- 
ment of commissioners, who should convey a full pardon for past 
offences, upon the condition of future submission ; but a difference 
of opinion prevailed respecting ulterior eventual measures. The 
act made it the duty of the President, previous to the employment 
of military force, to issue his proclamation commanding the in- 
surgents to disperse within a limited time. The Secretary of State, 
(and the Governor of Pennsylvania was understood to concur with 
him,) was of opinion that this conciliatory mission should be un- 
accompanied by any measure which might wear the appearance 
of coercion. The Secretaries of the Treasury and of War, and 
the Attorney General, were of a different opinion. They thought 
that the occasion required a full trial of the ability of the govern- 
ment to enforce obedience to the laws ; and that the employment 
of a force which would render resistance desperate, was dictated 
equally by humanity and sound policy. The insurgent counties 
contained sixteen thousand men capable of bearing arms ; and tha 
computation was that they could bring seven thousand into the 
field. An army of twelve thousand would present an imposing 
force, which the insurgents could not venture to meet. 

It was impossible that the President could liesitate to embrace 
the latter of these opinions. The proclamation, therefore, was 
issued, and, on the same day, a requisition was made on the Go- 
vernors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, 
for their several quotas of militia, to compose an army of twelve 
thousand men. 

Was it at length necessary to subdue the insurgents by force ? Who were 
averse to this trial, and who advocated it ? What amount of force did Wash- 
ingtou determine to call forth, and what states were to supply it ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 339 

While steps were taking to bring this force into the field, a last 
essay was made to render its employment unnecessary. Three 
distinguished and popular citizens of Pennsylvania were deputed 
as the bearers of a general amnesty on the sole condition of future 
obedience to the laws. 

Meanwhile the insurgents omitted nothing which might enlarge 
the circle of disaffection. They made incursions into the counties 
east of the Allegheny, and into the neighboring counties of Virginia, 
for the purpose of spreading their principles, and suppressing 
offices of inspection. 

The convention at Parkinson's ferry had appointed a committee 
of safety, consisting of sixty members, who chose fifteen of their 
body to receive and report the propositions of the commissioners. 
They expressed themselves unanimously in favor of accepting the 
terms offered by the government. The committee of safety appeared 
rather inclined to the same opinion, but determined finally to refer 
the question to the people. 

This reference resulted in demonstrating that, though many 
were disposed to demean themselves peaceably, a vast mass of op- 
position remained, determined to obstruct the re-establishment of 
civil authority. 

From some causes, among which was disaffection, the prospect 
of bringing the Pennsylvania quota into the field was at first un- 
promising. But the assembly, which was convened by the Governor, 
expressed its abhorrence uf this daring attempt to subvert the go- 
vernment : and a degree of ardor was displayed by the people of 
other states which exceeded the hopes of the most sanguine friends 
of the administration. Some feeble and insidious attempts to pro- 
duce disobedience to the requisition, by declaring, among other 
things, that the people would never be made the instruments of the 
Secretary of the Treasury to shed the blood of their fellow-citi- 
zens, were silenced by the general sense of the nation, which 
loudly proclaimed that the government and laws must be supported. 
From the exertions of her Governor, Peimsylvania was not behind 
her sister states. 

On the 25th of September, the President issued a second pro- 
clamation, stating the perverse spirit in which the lenient proposi- 
tions of government had been received, and declaring his fixed 
determination, in obedience to the high duty consigned to him by 
the constitution, to reduce the refractory to obedience. 

The troops of New Jersey and Pennsylvania were directed to 
rendezvous at Bedford, and those of Maryland and Virginia at 
Cumberland, on the Potomac. The command of the expedition 
had been conferred on Governor Lee of Virginia. 

Did the insurgents accept the overtures of the government ? Where did 
the troops rendezvous ? On whom was the command conferred ? 



340 MARSHALL'S 

From Cumberland and Bedford, the army marched in two divi- 
sions into the country of the insurgents. The disaffected did not 
venture to assemble in arms. Several of the leaders, who had 
refused to give assurance of future submission to the laws, were 
seized, and some of them detained for legal prosecution. 

But although no direct and open opposition was made, the spirit 
of insurrection was not subdued. A sour and malignant temper 
was displayed, which indicated, too plainly, that the dis]X)sition to 
resist had sunk under the great military force brought into the 
country, but would rise again should that force be withdrawn. It 
was therefore thouglit advisable to station a detachment to be com- 
manded by Major-Gcneral Morgan, in the centre of the disatfected 
country, for the winter. 

Thus, without shedding a drop of blood, did the prudent vigor 
of the executive terminate an insurrection which, at one time, 
threatened to shake the government to its foundation. That so 
perverse a spirit should have been excited in the bosom of pros- 
perity, without the pressure of a single grievance, is among those 
political phenomena which occur, not unfrequently, in the course 
of human affairs, and which the statesman can never safely dis- 
regard. 

To the intemperate abuse which was cast on the measures of 
the government, and on all who supported them ; to the violence 
with which the discontents of the opponents of those measures were 
expressed ; and especially to the denunciations which were uttered 
against them by the democratic societies ; the friends of the ad- 
ministration ascribed that criminal attempt which had been made 
to oppose the will of the nation by force. Had these misguided 
men believed that the opposition was confined within their own 
narrow limits, they could not have been so mad or so weak as to 
encase in it. 

The ideas of the President on this subject were freely given to 
his confidential friends. " The real people,^'' he said, "occasionally 
assembled in order to express their sentiments on political subjects, 
ought never to be confounded with permanent self-appointed so- 
cieties usurping the right to control the constituted authorities, 
and to dictate to public opinion. While the former is entitled to 
respect, the latter is incompatible with all government, and must 
either sink into general disesteem, or finally overturn the estab- 
lished order of things." 

In his speech at the opening of Congress, the President detailed 
the progress of opposition, and the measures finally taken to 
reduce the refractory to submission. After bestowing a high en- 

When the army arrived in the disaffected district, what was the issue ? 
Was it necessary to station a force there ? To what may we attribute thia 
daring attempt to subvert the government ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 341 

comium on the alacrity with which persons in every station had 
come-'forward to assert the dignity of the laws, he added, " but let 
them persevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious 
deposit of American happiness — the constitution of the United 
States. And when in the calm moments of reflection, they shall 
have retraced the origin and progress of the insurrection, let them 
determine whether it has not been fomented by combinations of 
men who, careless of consequences, and disregarding the unerring 
truth that those who rouse cannot always appease a civil convul- 
sion, have disseminated, from an ignorance or perversion of facts, 
suspicions, jealousies, and accusations of the whole government." 

He mentioned the intelligence from the army, the state of Indian 
affairs, recommended a revisal of the militia system, and urced a 
definitive plan for the redemption of the public debt. 

After referring to subsequent communications respecting the 
intercourse of the United States with foreign nations, he added, 
" it may not, however, be unreasonable to announce that my policy 
in our foreign transactions has been, to cultivate peace with all the 
world ; to observe treaties with pure and inviolate faith ; to check 
every deviation from the line of impartiality ; to explain what may 
have been misapprehended, and correct what may have been 
injurious to any nation ; and having thus acquired the right, to 
lose no time in acquiring the ability, to insist upon justice being 
done to ourselves." 

An answer was reported in the Senate, containing a direct cen- 
sure on the disorganizing proceedings of certain self-created socie- 
ties, and an unequivocal approbation of the policy adopted by the 
executive with regard to foreign nations. To the latter, no objec- 
tion was made. The clause respecting democratic societies was 
seriously opposed ; but the address reported by the committee was 
agreed to without alteration. 

The same spirit did not prevail in the House of Representatives. 
In that branch of the legislature, the opposition party continued to 
be the most powerful, and the respect of their leaders for the 
person and character of the Chief Magistrate was visibly dimin- 
ishing. His interference with a favorite system was not forgotten ; 
and the mission of Mr. Jay still rankled in their bosoms. No 
direct censure of the democratic societies, or approbation of the 
conduct of the administration towards foreign powers, could be 
carried. 

This triumph over the administration revived for a moment the 
drooping energies of these pernicious societies. But it was only 
for a moment. The agency ascribed to them by the opinion of the 

Specify the chief topics in the President's address to Congress. What an- 
i^er was given by the Senate ? Was the House of Representatives equally 
friendly to the administration ? 
29* 



342 MARSHALL'S 

public as well as of the President, in producing an insurrection 
which was generally execrated, had essentially affected them ; and 
while languishing under this wound, they received a deadly blow 
from a quarter whence hostility was least expected. 

The remnant of the French convention, rendered desperate by 
the ferocious despotism of the jacobins, and of the sanguinary 
tyrant who had become their chief, had at length sought for safety 
by confronting danger ; and, succeeding in a desperate attempt to 
bring Robespierre to the guillotine, had terminated his reign of 
terror. The colossal power of the clubs fell with that of their 
favorite member, and they sunk into long-merited disgrace. Not 
more certain is it that the boldest streams must disappear if the 
fountains which fed them be emptied, than was the dissolution of 
the democratic societies in America, when the jacobin clubs were 
denounced in France. As if their destinies depended on the same 
thread, the political death of the former was the unerring signal for 
that of the latter. 

Notwithstanding the disagreement between the President and 
one branch of the legislature, concerning self-created societies, and 
the policy observed towards foreign nations, his speech was treated 
with marked respect ; and the several subjects which it recom- 
mended engaged the immediate attention of Congress. 

He had repeatedly pressed on the legislature the adoption of 
measures which might effect the gradual redemption of the public 
debt ; but, although that party which had been reproached with a 
desire to accumulate debt as a means of subverting the republican 
system, had exerted themselves to accomplish this object, their 
efforts had hitherto been opposed by obstacles they were unable to 
surmount. These were intrinsic difficulties in the subject. 

The duty on imported articles and on tonnage could not, imme- 
diately, be rendered sufficiently productive to meet the various exi- 
gencies of the treasury, and yield a surplus for the secure estab- 
lishment of a fund to redeem the principal of the debt. Additional 
sources of revenue were to be explored. New taxes are the never- 
failing sources of discontent. In a government where popularity 
is power, it requires no small degree of patriotism to encounter the 
odium which, however necessary, they seldom fail to excite. No 
clamour could deter the Secretary of the Treasury from continu- 
ing to recommend measures which he believed to be essential to 
the due administration of the finances. While the legislature was 
engaged in discussing a report made by a select committee on a 
resolution moved by Mr. Smith, of South Carolina, purporting 
that farther provision ought to be made for the reduction of the 

What event in France overthrew the clubs there, and caused those in the 
United States also to lose their influence ? Mention tlie considerations con- 
nected with the redemption of the public debt. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 343 

public debt, he addressed a letter to the House of Representatives, 
through their Speaker, informing them that he had digested and 
prepared a plan on the basis of the actual revenues, for the farther 
support of public credit, which he was ready to communicate. 

This comprehensive and valuable report presented the result of 
his laborious and useful investigations, on a subject equally intri- 
cate and interesting. 

It was the last official act of Colonel Hamilton. The penurious 
provision made for those who filled high offices in the executive 
departments, excluded from a long continuance in them, all men 
of moderate fortune, whose professional talents placed a decent in- 
dependence within their reach. While slandered as the accumu- 
lator of thousands by illicit means, he had wasted in the public 
service a great part of the property acquired by his previous la- 
bors, and had found himself compelled to decide on retiring from 
political station. The accusations brought against him in the last 
session of the second Congress, had postponed the execution of 
this design, and subsequent events of a nature to render the con- 
tinuance of peace precarious, deferred it still longer. On the first 
of December, on his return from the western country, the dangers 
of domestic insurrection or foreign war having subsided, he gave 
notice that he should, on the last day of January, give in his re- 
signation. 

Seldom has any minister excited the opposite passions of love 
and hate in a higher degree than Colonel Hamilton. His talents 
were too prominent not to receive the tribute of profound respect 
from all ; and his integrity and honor as a man, not less than his 
official rectitude, though slandered at a distance, were admitted to 
be superior to reproach by those enemies who knew him. 

But with respect to his political principles and designs, the most 
contradictory opinions were entertained. While one party sin- 
cerely believed his object to be the preservation of the Constitution 
of the United States in its purity ; the other, with perhaps equal 
sincerity, imputed to him the insidious intention of subverting it. 
While his friends were persuaded that, as a statesman, he viewed 
foreign nations with an equal eye, his enemies could perceive in 
his conduct only hostility to France, and attachment to her rival. 

In the good opinion of the President, to whom he was best 
known, he had always held a high place ; and he carried with 
him out of office the same cordial esteem for his character, and 
respect for his talents, which had induced his appointment. 

The vacant office was filled by Mr. Wolcott, of Connecticut, a 
gentlieman of sound judgment, who was well versed in its duties. 

What report was presented to Congress by Colonel Hamilton ? Mention 
tlie cause which induced him to resign. Sketch his character Wno suc- 
ceeded him in office ? 



344 MARSHALL'S 

The report of the select committee recommended additional ob- 
jects for internal taxation, and that the temporary duties already 
imposed should be rendered permanent. The opposition was so 
ardent that the bill did not pass till late in February. At length, 
by the persevering exertions of the federal party, it was carried, 
and a system adopted which would discharge all the engagements 
of the United States. 

On the 3d of March, this important session was ended. Although 
the party in opposition had obtained a small majority in one branch 
of the legislature, several circumstances had concurred to give 
great weight to the recommendations of the President. Among 
these, were the victory obtained by General Wayne, and the sup- 
pression of the western insurrection. In some points, however, 
which he had pressed with earnestness, his sentiments did not pre- 
vail. One of these was a plan for preserving peace with the In- 
dians by protecting them from the intrusions of the whites. He 
had scarcely permitted a Congress to pass without calling their 
attention to this subject. It had been mentioned in his speech at 
the commencement of this session, and had been farther enforced 
by a message accompanying a report made upon it by the Secre- 
tary of War. The plan suggested in this report was, to add to 
those arrangements respecting trade which were indispensable to 
the preservation of peace, a chain of garrisoned posts within the 
territory of the Indians, provided their assent could be obtained ; 
and to subject all trespassers on their lands to martial law. A 
bill founded on this report passed the Senate, but was lost in the 
House of Representatives. 

This report preceded the resignation of the Secretary of War 
but a few days. This valuable officer, too, was driven from the 
service of the public by the scantiness of the compensation allowed 
him. 

Colonel Pickering, a gentleman who had filled many important 
offices through the war of the revolution ; who had discharged 
several trusts of confidence under the present government ; and 
who, at the time, was Post-Master General, was appointed to suc- 
ceed him. 

On the 7th of March, the treaty of amity, commerce, and navi- 
gation, between the United States and Great Britain, which had 
been signed on the 1 9th of the preceding November, was received 
at the office of State. 

From his arrival in London, Mr. Jay had been assiduously em- 
ployed on the objects of his mission. By a deportment respectful, 
yet firm, this minister avoided those little asperities which frequently 

Did Congress adopt a system for the extinction of the public debt? What 
other recommendations of Washington were comphed with ? Who succeed- 
ed the Secretary of War ? What treaty was received ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 345 

embarrass measures of great concern, and smoothed the way to 
the adoption of those which were suggested by the i-eal interests 
of both nations. Many and intricate were the points to be dis- 
cussed. On some of them an agreement was found to be imprac- 
ticable ; but, at length, a treaty was concluded, which Mr. Jay de- 
clared to be the best that was attainable, and which he believed it 
to be for the interest of the United States to accept. Indeed it was 
scarcely possible to contemplate the evidence of extreme exaspe- 
ration which was given in America, and the nature of the differ- 
ences between the two countries, without feeling a conviction that 
war was inevitable should this attempt to adjust those differences 
prove unsuccessful. 

On Monday, the 8th of June, the Senate, in conformity with a 
summons from the President, convened in the Senate chamber, 
and the treaty, with the documents connected with it, were sub- 
mitted to their consideration. 

On the 24th of the same month, after a minute and laborious 
investigation, the Senate, by precisely a constitutional majority, 
advised and consented to its conditional ratification. 

In regulating the intercourse between the United States and the 
British West Indies, the parties intended to admit the direct trade, 
but not to permit the productions of the latter to be carried to 
Europe in the vessels of the former. To give effect to this inten- 
tion, the exportations from the United States of those articles which 
were the principal productions of the islands, was to be prohibited. 
Among these was cotton. This article, which a few years before 
was scarcely raised in sufficient quantity for domestic consump- 
tion, was becoming one of the richest staples of the southern 
states. The Senate, being informed of this fact, which was un- 
known to Mr. Jay, advised and consented that the treaty should 
be ratified, on condition that an article be added thereto, suspend- 
ing that part of the 12th article, which related to the intercourse 
with the West Indies. 

This resolution of the Senate presented difficulties which re- 
quired consideration. Whether they could advise and consent to 
an article which had not been laid before them, and whether their 
resolution was to be considered as the final exercise of their power, 
were questions not free from difficulty. Nor was it clear that the 
executive could ratify the treaty, under the advice of the Senate, 
until the sus|:>ending article should be introduced into it. When 
these doubts were removed, intelligence was received from Eu- 
rope, which superseded the determination the President had 
formed. 

What was the nature of the conditional ratification which the Senate gave 
to Jay's treaty with Great Britain ? Mention the doubts which arose upoii 
this subject. 



346 MARSHAL L'S 

The English papers contained an account that the order of the 
8lh of June, 1793, respecting provisions going to French ports, 
was renewed. In the apprehension that this order might be in- 
tended as a practical construction of the article which seemed to 
favor the idea that provisions might occasionally become contra- 
band, a construction in which he had determined not to acquiesce, 
he thought it wise to reconsider his dec'sion. A strong memorial 
against this objectionable order was directed ; and the propositions 
to withhold the ratification of the treaty, until the same should be 
repealed — to make the exchange of ratifications dependent on 
that event, and to connect his ratification with the memorial, he 
had directed, as explanatory of the sense in which his ratification 
was made, were severally under consideration. In conformity 
with his practice of withholding his opinion on controverted points, 
until it should become necessary to decide them, he suspended his 
determination until the memorial should be prepared and laid be- 
fore him. In the mean time, his private affairs required that he 
should visit Mount Vernon. 

Meanwhile, the restless, uneasy temper of parties was active in 
its operations. That the instrument itself was not communicated 
to the public even previous to its being laid before the Senate, and 
that the Senate deliberated upon it with closed doors, were con- 
sidered as additional evidences of the contempt in which their 
rulers held the people. 

Although the contents of the treaty were unknown, a decisive 
judgment was extensively formed on Hiy reconciliation between 
the two countries. The sentiments called forth by the occasion, 
demonstrated that no possible adjustment with Great Britain could 
be satisfactory. That a treaty of amity and commerce should 
have been concluded, whatever might be its principles, was said 
to be a degrading insult to the American people, a pusillanimous 
surrender of their honor, and an insidious injury to France. 

Such was the state of parties, when the Senate advised the rati- 
fication of the treaty. In violation of common usage, and of a 
positive resolution of the Senate, an abstract of this instrument, 
not very faithfully taken, was given to the public ; and, on the 
29th of June, a senator of the United States transmitted a copy of 
it to the most distinguished editor of the opposition party in Phila- 
delphia, for publication. 

If amicable arrangement, whatever might be its character, had 
been previously condemned, it was not to be expected that the 
ti'eaty would assuage the irritation. If the people at large enter 
keenly into the points of controversy with a foreign power, they 

What order was renewed in England ? What was the general temper of 
the people, in reference to any arrangement with Great Britain ? Was a» 
abstract of the treaty improperly published ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 347 

can seldom be satisfied with any equal adjustment of those points : 
nor will it be difficult, unless there be undue attachment to the 
adversary nation, to prove to them that they give too much, and 
receive too little. The operation of this principle was not confined 
to those whose passions urged them to take part in the war, nor 
to the open enemies of the executive. The friends of peace and 
of the administration had generally received impressions unfavor- 
able to the fair exercise of judgment in the case, which it required 
time and reflection to efface. Even among them, strong preju- 
dices had been imbibed in favor of France, which her open at- 
tempts on the sovereignty of the United States had only weakened. 

The treaty, therefore, found one party prepared for an intrepid 
attack ; but the other not ready in its defence. 

That an instrument involving many complicated national in- 
terests, and adjusting differences of long standing, would require 
a patient and laborious investigation before even those most con- 
versant in diplomatic transactions could form a just estimate of 
its merits, would be conceded by all reflecting men. But an im- 
mense party in iVmerica, not in the habit of considering national 
compacts, without understanding the instrument, and in most 
instances without reading it, rushed impetuously to its condem- 
nation ; and, confident that public opinion would be surprised by 
the suddenness, and stormed by the fury of the assault, expected 
that the President would be compelled to yield to its violence. 

In the populous cities, meetings of the people were immediately 
summoned to take the instrument into consideration, and express 
their opinion of it. Those who distrusted their capacity to form 
intuitively a correct judgment on so complex a subject, and who 
were disposed to act 'knowingly, declined attending these meetings. 
The most intemperate assumed as usual the name of the people, 
pronounced an unqualified condemnation of every article in the 
treaty, and, with the utmost confidence, assigned reasons for 
their opinions which, in many instances, had no real existence, 
and in some, were obviously founded on their strong prejudices 
with regard to foreign powers. 

The first meeting was held in Boston. The example was soon 
followed by New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston ; 
and, their addresses being designed at least as much for their 
fellow-citizens as for their President, while one copy was trans- 
mitted to him, another was committed to the press. The precedent 
set by these large cities was followed with wonderful rapidity 
throughout the Union ; and the spirit of violence sustained no dimi- 
nution in its progress. 

Mention the procedure of a large party in the United States, in reference 
to Jay's treaty. Were they well qualified to judge so difficult a matter ? 
Were they reasonable and temperate in examining the treaty ? 



848 MARSHALL'S 

On the 18th of July, at Baltimore, on his way to Mount Ver- 
non, the President received the resolutions passed at Boston, in a 
letter from the selectmen of that town. His answer evinced the 
firmness with which he had resolved to meet the effort that was 
obviously making to control the exercise of his constitutional func- 
tions, by giving promptness and vigor to the expressions of the 
sentiments of party, which might impose it on the world as the 
deliberate judgment of the public. 

He viewed the opposition which the treaty was receiving in a 
very serious light : — " not because there was more weight in any 
of the objections than was foreseen ; for in some, there was none ; 
and in others, there were gross misrepresentations : nor as respect- 
ed himself personally, for that should have no influence on his 
conduct." But he was alarmed on account of the effect it might 
have on France, and the advantage which the government of that 
country might be disposed to make of the spirit which was at 
work, to cherish a belief that the treaty was calculated to favor 
Great Britain at her expense. " Whether she believed or disbe- 
lieved these tales, their effect," he said, " would be nearly the 
same. 

In the aflernoon of the 11th of August, the President returned 
to Philadelphia ; and, on the next day, the question respecting the 
immediate ratification of the treaty was laid before the cabinet. 
The Secretary of State maintained, singly, the opinion that, during 
the existence of the provision order, this step ought not to be taken. 
His opinion did not prevail. The resolution was adopted to ratify 
the treaty immediately, and to accompany its ratification with a 
strong memorial against the provision order, which should convey, 
in explicit terms, the sense of the American ' government on that 
subject. By this course, the views of the executive were happily 
accomplished. The order was revoked, and the ratifications of 
the treaty were exchanged. 

The President was most probably determined to the immediate 
adoption of this measure by the extreme violence with which the 
treaty was opposed, and the rapid progress which this violence was 
making. It was obvious that, unless this temper could be checked, 
it would soon become so extensive, as to threaten dangerous con- 
sequences. It had become necessary either to attempt a diminu- 
tion of its action by rendering its exertions hopeless, and by giving 
to the treaty the weight of his character and influence, or to yield 
to it. 

The soundness of this policy was proved by the event. The 
confidence which was reposed in the judgment and virtue of the 

What did Washington reply to the letter from the selectmen of Boston ? 
Mention the decision of the President and his cabinet, on Jay's treaty ? Did 
the event show that it was a wise one ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 349 

Chief Magistrate, induced many, who, swept away by the popular 
current, liad yielded to the common prejudices, to re-examine and 
discard opinions which had been too hastily embraced ; and many 
were induced to take a more active part in the general contest than 
they would otherwise have pursued. The consequence was, that 
more moderate opinions began to prevail. 

If the ratification of the treaty increased the number of its open 
advocates, it also gave increased acrimony to the opposition. 

Previous to the mission of Mr. Jay, charges against the Chief 
Magistrate, though frequently insinuated, had seldom been directly 
made. That mission visibly affected the decorum which had been 
usually observed towards him ; and the ratification of the treaty 
brought sensations into open view, which had long been ill-con- 
cealed. His military and political character was attacked with 
equal violence ; and it was averred that he was totally destitute 
of merit, either as a soldier or a statesman. The calumnies with 
which he was assailed were not confined to his public conduct ; 
even his qualities as a man were the subjects of detraction. That 
he had violated the constitution In the treaty lately negotiated with 
Great Britain, was openly maintained, for which an impeachment 
was publicly suggested ; and that he had drawn from the treasury 
for his private use, more than the salary annexed to his office, was 
asserted without a blush. This last allegation was said to be sup- 
ported by extracts from the treasury accounts which had been laid 
before the legislature, and was maintained with the most perse- 
vering effrontery. 

Though the Secretary of the Treasury denied officially in the 
papers, that the appropriations made by the legislature had ever 
been exceeded, the atrocious charge was still confidently repeated ; 
and the few who could triumph in any spot which might tarnish 
the lustre of Washington's fame, felicitated themselves on the 
prospect of obtaining a victory over the reputation of a patriot to 
whose single influence they ascribed the failure of their political 
plans. 

The confidence felt by the real public in the integrity of their 
Chief Magistrate, remained unshaken ; but so imposing was the 
appearance of the documents adduced, as to excite an apprehen- 
sion that the transaction might be placed in a light to show that 
some indiscretion in which he had not participated, had been in- 
advertently committed. 

This state of anxious suspense was of short duration. The late 
Secretary of the Treasury, during whose administration of the 
finances this peculation was alleged to have taken place, came for- 

Did Washington's ratification of the treaty increase the hostility of his po- 
litical adversaries? What charges did they bring against him, and how 
were they satisfactorily explained ? 
30 



350 MARSHALL'S 

ward with a full explanation of the fact. It appeared that the Pre- 
sident himself had never touched any part of the compensation an- 
nexed to his office, but that the whole was received and disbursed 
by the gentleman who superintended the expenses of his house- 
hold ; — that it was the practice of the Treasury, when a sum had 
been appropriated for the current year, to pay it to that gentleman 
occasionally, as the situation of the family might require. The 
expenses at some periods of the year exceeded, and at others fell 
short of the allowance for the quarter ; so that sometimes money 
was paid in advance for the ensuing quarter, and at others, that 
which was due at the end of the quarter was not completely drawn 
out ; the Secretary entered into an examination of the constitu- 
tion and laws to show that this practice was justifiable ; and illus- 
trated his arguments by many examples in which an advance on 
account of money appropriated to a particular object, before the 
service was completed, would be absolutely necessary. However 
this might be, it was a transaction in which the President, person- 
ally, was unconcerned. 

When possessed of the entire fact, the public viewed with just 
indignation, this attempt to defame a character which was the na- 
tion's pride. Americans felt themselves involved in this atrocious 
calumny on their most illustrious citizen ; and its propagators were 
frowned into silence. 

The Secretary of State had resigned on the 19th of August, and, 
after some time, was succeeded by Colonel Pickering. Mr. 
M'Henry was appointed to the Department of War. By the death 
of Mr. Bradford, a vacancy was also produced in the office of At- 
torney-General, which was filled by Mr. Lee. 

Many of those embarrassments in which the government had 
been involved from its institution, were now ended or approaching 
their termination. 

The opposition to the laws in the western counties of Pennsyl- 
vania existed no longer. 

A firm peace had been made with the north-western Indians ; 
and an accommodation had taken place with the powerful tribes 
of the south. 

After the failure of several attempts to purchase peace from the 
regency of Algiers, a treaty was at length negotiated on terms 
which, though disadvantageous, were the best that could be ob- 
tained. 

The unwearied exertions of the executive to settle the contro- 
versy with Spain had at length been successful. That power, em- 
barrassed by its war with France, had lately discovered symptoms 

What was the effect of this confutation on the public mind ? Who sue- 
ceeded the Secretary of State, and the Attorney -General ? Was western 
Pennsylvania quiet ? What is said of the Indians ? of Algiers ? of Spain ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 351 

of a temper more inclined to conciliation, and a treaty was con- 
cluded on the 20th of October, at Madrid, in which the claims of 
the United States on the important points of boundary, and the 
navigation of the Mississippi, were fully conceded. 

Although the signature of the treaties with Spain and Algiers 
had not been officially announced, the intelligence was such as to 
enable the President, in his speech at the opening of Congress, to 
assure the legislature that those negotiations were in a train which 
promised a happy issue. 

After expressing his gratification at the prosperous state of Ame- 
rican affairs, the various favorable events which have been enu- 
merated were detailed in a succinct statement, at the close of 
which he mentioned the treaty with Great Britain. 

In the Senate, an address was reported which echoed back the 
sentiments of the speech. 

In this House of Representatives, as in the last, the party in op- 
position to the administration had obtained the majority. This 
party was unanimously hostile to the treaty with Great Britain. 
The answer reported by the committee, contained a declaration 
that the confidence of his fellow-citizens in the Chief Magistrate 
remained undiminished. 

On a motion to strike out this clause, it was averred that it as- 
serted an untruth. It was not true, that the confidence of the 
people in the President was undiminished. 

The friends of the administration opposed the motion with zeal, 
but were outnumbered ; and, to avoid a direct vote, the address 
was recommitted, and two members were added to the committee, 
who so modified it as to avoid the exception. 

Early in the month of January, the President transmitted a mes- 
sage to both Houses of Congress, accompanying certain commu- 
nications from the French government, which were well calculated 
to cherish those ardent feelings that prevailed in the legislature. 

It was the fortune of Mr. Monroe to reach Paris soon after the 
death of Robespierre. On his reception, which was in the con- 
vention, he delivered to the President of that body, with his ere- 
dentials, two letters addressed by the Secretary of State to the 
committee of public safety. 

So fervent were the sentiments expressed on this occasion, that 
the convention decreed that the flags of the two republics should 
be united, and suspended in its own hall. To evince the impres- 
sion made by this act, Mr. Monroe presented to the convention the 
flag of the United States, which he prayed that body to accept as 
a proof of the sensibility with which his country received every 
mark of friendship from its ally. 

On what occasion were the friends of the President outnumbered in the 
House of Representatives ? Mention the proceedings of Mr. Monroe at Paris. 



352 MARSHALL'S 

The committee of safety again addressed the legislature in terms 
adapted to that department of government which superintends its 
foreign intercourse. Mr. Adet, the successor of Mr. Fouchet, was 
the bearer of this letter, and also brought with him the colors of 
France, w^hich he was directed to present to the United States. He 
announced them late in December ; and the first day of the new 
year was named for their reception, when they were delivered to 
the President, with the letter directed to Congress. 

In executing this duty, Mr. Adet addressed a speech to the 
President, which, in the glowing language of his country, repre- 
sented France as struggling not only for her own liberty, but for 
that of the world. 

To answer this speech was a task of some delicacy. It was 
necessary to express feelings adapted to the occasion, without im- 
plying sentiments respecting the belligerent powers, which the 
Chief Magistrate of a neutral country could not properly avow. 
The President, in his reply, kept both these objects in view. 

The address of Mr. Adet, the answer of the President, the co- 
lors of France, and the letter from the committee of safety, were 
transmitted to Congress. 

In the Plouse of Representatives, a resolution was passed unan- 
imously, requesting the President to make known to the represent- 
atives of the French republic the sincere and hvely sensations 
which w'ere excited by this honorable testimony of the existing 
sympathy and affection of the two republics. 

In the Senate, a resolution passed expressing these sentim.ents 
to the President, unaccompanied with a request to communicate 
them to the government of France. 

In February, the treaty with Great Britain v/as returned, ratified 
by his Britannic Majesty. The constitution having declared a 
treaty to be the supreme law of the land, the President announced 
it ofRciaily to the people in a proclamation requiring its observance 
by all persons ; a copy of which was transmitted to each House 
on the 1st of March. 

The party in opposition having openly denied the right of the 
President to negotiate a treaty of commerce, was not a little dissa- 
tisfied at his venturing to issue this proclamation before the sense 
of the House of Representatives had been declared on the obliga- 
tion of the instrument. 

On the 7th of March, Mr. Livingston moved a resolution re- 
questing the President " to lay before the House a copy of the in- 
structions to the minister of the United States who negotiated the 
treaty with the King^of Great Britain, communicated by his mes- 

Specify the communications from the French government, and the replies 
of the two Houses of Congress. Was Jay's treaty ratified by the British 
King ? What resohition respecting it was moved in the House ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 353 

sage of the 1st of March, together with the correspondence and 
other documents relative to the said treaty." 

The debate on this resolution soon glided into an argument on 
the nature and extent of the treaty-making power. The opposition 
contended that the power to make treaties, if applicable to every 
object, conflicted with powers which were vested exclusively in 
Congress. That it must be so limited as not to touch these ob- 
jects, or the assent and co-operation of the House of Representa-. 
tives must be required to the validity of any compact, so far as it 
might comprehend them. A treaty, therefore, so far as it required 
an act of Congress to carry it into effect, had no obligatory force 
until the House of Representatives had acted on it. They were 
at liberty to withhold such law without incurring the imputation 
of violating any existing obligation, or of breaking the faith of the 
nation. 

The debate was protracted until the 24th of March, when the 
resolution was carried by sixty-two to thirty-seven voices. 

The situation in which this vote placed the President was pecu- 
liarly delicate. The popularity of a demand for information, the 
large majority by which that demand was supported, the additional 
force which a refusal to comply with it would give to suspicions 
already insinuated, that circumstances had occurred in the negoti- 
ation which the administration dared not expose, and that the 
President was separating himself from the representatives of the 
people, furnished motives not lightly to be overruled, for yielding 
to the request which had been made. 

But these considerations were opposed by others which possess 
an irresistible influence over a mind resolved to pursue steadily the 
path of duty, however it may abound with thorns. 

That the future diplomatic transactions of the government might 
be seriously affected by establishing the principle that the House 
of Representatives could demand as a right, the instructions given 
to a foreign minister, and all the papers connected with a negotia- 
tion, was too apparent to be unobserved. It was, too, a subject for 
serious reflection, that the information was asked for the avowed 
purpose of determining whether the House of Representatives would 
give effect to a public treaty, and that, in an elaborate debate, that 
House had claimed a right of interference in the formation of trea- 
ties, which, in his judgment, the constitution had denied fhem. The 
opinion of the President being completely formed on the course it 
became him to pursue, he returned an answer to the resolution 
which had been presented to him, in which, after detailing his rea- 
sons in an argument of great strength, he declined making the 
communications which had been required. 

What opinions were declared, in the debate on this resolution ? Did it 
pass tlie House ? Did Washington comply with its requisitions ? 
30* 



354 MARSHALL'S 

The terms in which this decided, and it would seem unexpected, 
negative to the call for papers had been conveyed, appeared to break 
the last cord of that attachment which had theretofore bound some 
of the active leaders of the opposition to the President personally. 
Amidst all the irritations of party, a sincere respect and real affec- 
tion for the Chief Magistrate, the remnant of former friendship, had 
still lingered in the bosoms of some who had engaged with ardor 
in the political contests of the day. If the last spark of this aifec- 
tion was not now extinguished, it was concealed under the more 
active passions of the moment. 

A motion to refer the message of the President to a committee of 
the whole house was carried by a large majority. In committee, 
resolutions were moved by Mr. Blount of North Carolina, declar- 
ing the sense of the House respecting its own power on the subject 
of treaties. Those resolutions take a position less untenable than 
had been maintained in argument, and rather inexplicit on an 
essential part of the question. 

In the course of the month of March, the treaties with his 
Catholic Majesty, and with the Dey of Algiers, were ratified by 
the President, and were laid before Congress. On the 13th of 
April, Mr. Sedgewic moved " that provision ought to be made by 
law for carrying into effect with good faith, the treaties lately con- 
cluded with the Dey and Regency of Algiers, the King of Great 
Britain, the King of Spain, and certain Indian tribes north-west of 
the Ohio." 

This motion produced a warm altercation. After a discussion 
manifesting great irritation, the resolution was so amended as to 
declare that it was expedient to make provision by law for carry- 
ing into effect the treaty lately concluded with the King of Spain. 
The resolution, thus amended, was agreed to without a dissenting 
voice ; and then similar resolutions passed respecting the treaties 
with Algiers, and with the Indians. 

This business being dispatched, the treaty with Great Britain 
was brought before the House. The friends of that instrument 
urged an immediate decision of the question. They appeared to 
have entertained the opinion that the majority would not dare to 
encounter the immense responsibility of breaking that treaty with- 
out previously ascertaining that the great body of the people were 
willing to meet the consequences of the measure. But its oppo- 
nents, though confident of their power to reject the resolution, 
called for its discussion. 

The minority soon desisted from urging an immediate decision 
of the question ; and Jhe spacious field which was opened by the 

Upon receiving- the President's negative, w^hat resolutions were passed ? 
What other treaties were laid before Congress ? and what resolutions were 
adopted respecting them ? What treaty was now debated in full ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 355 

propositions before the House, was entered with equal avidity and 
confidence by both parties. 

At no time have the members of the national legislature been 
stimulated to great exertions by stronger feelings than impelled 
them on this occasion. Never has a greater display been made 
of argument, of eloquence, and of passion, and never has a sub- 
ject been discussed in which all classes of their fellow-citizens 
took a deeper interest. Those who' supported the resolution, be- 
lieved firmly that the faith of the nation was pledged, and that its 
honor, its character, and its constitution, depended on the vote 
about to be given. They also believed that the best interests of the 
United States required an observance of the compact as formed. 

The opposite party was undoubtedly of opinion that the treaty 
contained stipulations really injurious to the United States. But 
no consideration appears to have had more influence than the ap- 
prehension that the amicable arrangements made with Great Bri- 
tain, would seriously affect the future relations of the United States 
with France. 

Might a conjecture be hazarded, it would be that, in the opinion 
of many intelligent men, the preservation of that real neutrality at 
which the executive had aimed, was impracticable ; that America 
would probably be forced into the war ; and that the possibiUty of 
a rupture with France, was a calamity too tremendous not to be 
avoided at every hazard. 

As had been foreseen, this animated debate drew forth the real 
sentiments of the people. The whole country was agitated ; 
meetings were again held throughout the United States ; and the 
strength of parties was once more tried. 

The fallacy of many objections to the treaty had been exposed, 
the odium originally excited against it had been diminished, and 
the belief that its violation must precipitate the nation into a war 
was almost universal. These considerations brought reflecting men 
into action ; and the voice of the nation was pronounced unequi- 
vocally with the minority in the House of Representatives. 

This manifestation of the public sentiment was decisive with 
Congress. On the 29th of April, the question was taken in com- 
mittee of the whole, and was determined by the casting vote of the 
chairman in favor of making the necessary laws. The resolution 
was finally carried, fifly-one voting in the affirmative, and forty . 
eight in the negative. 

That necessity to which a part of the majority had reluctantly 
yielded, operated on no other subject. 

So excessive had been the hostility of the opposition to a mari- 

Was the debate vehement ? What persuasions seemed to actuate each 
party ? What was found to be the will of the people on the subject ? What 
was the influence of this upon the House ? 



356 MARSHALL'S 

time force, that, even under the pressure of the Algerine war, the 
bill providing a naval armament could not be carried through the 
House without the insertion of a section suspending all proceedings 
under the act, should that war be terminated. That event having 
occurred, not a single frigate could be completed without further 
authority from the legislature. Although no peace had been con- 
cluded with Tunis or Tripoli, it was with the utmost difficulty, 
that a bill for the completion of three, instead of six frigates could 
be carried. 

To secure the complete execution of the system for the gradual 
redemption of the public debt, it was believed that some additional 
aid to the treasury would be required. The friends of the admin- 
istration were in favor of extending the system of indirect internal 
taxation. But those who wished power to change hands had 
generally manifested a disposition to oblige those who exercised it 
to resort to a system of revenue by which a greater degree of sen- 
sibility will always be excited. The indirect taxes proposed were 
strongly resisted ; and only that for augmenting the duty on car- 
riages for pleasure was passed into a law. 

On the 1st day of June, this long and interesting session was 
terminated. 

It may not be unacceptable to turn aside for a moment from this 
view of the angry conflicts of party, and to look back to a trans- 
action in which the movements of a feeling heart were disclosed. 

No one of those foreigners who, during the war of the revolu- 
tion, had engaged in the service of the United States, had embraced 
their cause with so much enthusiasm, or had held so distinguished 
a place in the affections of General Washington, as the Marquis 
de Lafayette. For his friend while guiding the course of a revo- 
lution which fixed the anxious attention of the world, or while a 
prisoner in Prussia, or in the dungeon of Olmutz, the President 
manifested the same esteem, and felt the same solicitude. The 
extreme jealousy however with which those who administered the 
government of France as well as a large party in America, 
watched his deportment towards all whom the ferocious despotism 
of the jacobins had banished from their country, imposed upon 
him the painful necessity of observing great circumspection in his 
official conduct, on this delicate subject. A formal interposition in 
favor of the virtuous and unfortunate victim of their fury would 
have been unavailing. But the American ministers at foreign courts 
were instructed to seize every fair occasion to express, unofficially, 
the interest taken by the President in the fate of Lafayette. A 
confidential person had been sent to Berhn to solicit his liberation ; 

Was the opposition party averse to a naval force ? and to indirect taxa- 
tion ? Mention the manner in which Washington continued to manifest hia 
esteem and friendship towards Lafayette ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 357 

but before this message had reached his destination, the King of 
Prussia had deUvered over his iUustrious prisoner to the Emperor 
of Austria. Mr. Pinckney had been instructed not 9nly to indicate 
the wishes of the President to the Austrian minister at London, 
but to endeavor unofficially fo obtain the powerful mediation of 
Britain. 

After being disappointed in these attempts, he addressed a pri- 
vate letter to the Emperor of Germany. How far it operated in 
mitigating immediately the rigor of Lafayette's confinement, or in 
obtaining his liberation, is unknown. 



CHAPTER XXXIIL 

Hostile measures of France.— Mr. Monroe recalled, and General Pinckney appointed to 
succeed hii)i.— General Wasliington's valedictory address. — The minister of France 
endeavors to influence the election of President. — The President's speech to Congress. 
— He denies the authenticity of certain spurious letters, republished as his. — John 
Adams elected President, and Thomas Jefferson Vice-President.— General Washing, 
ton retires to Mount Vernon. — Political situation of the United States.— The French 
government refuses to receive General Pinckney. — Congress convened. — President's 
speech. — Three envoys extraordinary deputed to France. — Their treatment. — The 
United States prepare for war. — General Washington appointed commander-in-chief. 
—His death- And character. 

The confidential friends of the President had long known his 
fixed purpose to retire from office at the end of his second term, 
and the people generally suspected it. Those who dreaded a 
change of system in changing the person of the chief magistrate, 
manifested an earnest desire to avoid this hazard. But his reso- 
lution was to be shaken only by the obvious approach of a peri- 
lous crisis, which, endangering the safety of the nation, would 
make it unworthy of his character, and incompatible with his 
principles, to retreat from its service. In the apprehension that 
the co-operation of external and internal causes might bring about 
such a crisis, he had yielded to the representations of those who 
urged him to leave himself -master of his conduct, by withholding 
a public declaration of his intention, until the propriety of afford- 
ing a reasonable time to fix on a successor should require its dis- 
closure. " If," said Colonel Hamilton, in a letter of the 5th of 
July, " a storm gather, how can you retreat ? This is a serious 
question." 

The suspense produced by this silence seemed to redouble the 
eflTorts of those who laboured to rob the Chief Magistrate of the 
affection of the people, and to attach odium to his political system. 

With what purpose did Washington write to the emperor of Germany ? 
What was known as to tlie intentions of the President respecting his official 
Btation ? Why did he refrain from a public declaration of his purpose ? 



358 MARSHAL L'S 

As passion alone can contend successfully with passion, they still 
sought, in the hate which America bore to Britain, and in her love 
of France, for the most powerful means with which to eradicate 
her love of Washington. Amongst the numerous artifices em- 
ployed to effect this object, was the publication of those queries 
which had been submitted by the President to his cabinet, pre- 
vious to the arrival of Mr. Genet. This publication was intended 
to demonstrate the existence of a disposition in the Chief Magis- 
trate, unfriendly to the French Republic. Some idea of the 
intemperance of the day may be formed from the conclusion of 
tliat number of a series of virulent essays in which these queries 
were inserted. 

It is in these words : — " The foregoing queries were transmit- 
ted for consideration to the heads of departments, previously to a 
meeting to be held at the President's house. The text needs no 
commentary. It has stamped upon its front, in characters brazen 
enough for idolatry to comprehend, perfidy and ingratitude. To 
doubt, in such a case, was dishonorable, to proclaim those doubts, 
treachery. For the honor of the American character and of 
human nature, it is to be lamented that the records of the United 
States exhibit such a stupendous monument of degeneracy. It 
will almost require the authenticity of holy writ to persuade pos- 
terity that it is not a libel ingeniously contrived to injure the repu- 
tation of the savior of his country." 

Of the numerous misrepresentations which were pressed upon 
the public, no one marked more strongly the depravity of that 
principle which justifies the means by the end, than the republi- 
cation of forged letters, purporting to have been written by Gene- 
ral Washington, in 1776. 

They were originally published in 1777 ; and in them were 
interspersed, with domestic occurrences which might give them 
the semblance of verity, certain political sentiments favorable to 
Britain in the then existing contest. 

But the fabricator of these papers missed his aims. In assign- 
ing the manner in which the possession of them was acquired, 
circumstances so notoriously untrue were stated, that at the time 
the meditated imposition deceived no person. 

In the indefatigable search for testimony which might counte- 
nance the charge that the executive was hostile to France, and 
friendly to Britain, these letters were drawn from the oblivion into 
which they had sunk, and were republished as genuine. The 
silence with which the President treated this, as well as every 
other calumny, was construed into an acknowledgment of its 

What remarks were made by the enemies of Washington, upon certain 
queries to his cabinet? Mention another project to injure his reputation? 
What was the general course of the President, in reference to such accus* 
tions ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 359 

truth; and the malignant commentators on this spurious text 
would not admit the possibility of its being apocryphal. 

Those who labored incessantly to establish the favorite position 
that the executive was under other than French influence, re- 
viewed every act of the administration connected with its foreign 
relations, and continued to censure every part of the system, with 
extreme bitterness. No opinion which had been advanced by Mr. 
Genet was too extravagant to be approved. The ardent patriot 
cannot maintain the choicest rights of his country with more zeal 
than was manifested in supporting all the claims of the French 
Republic on the American government. 

Whatever might be the real opinion of the Directory of France 
on the validity of its charges against the United States, they were 
too vehemently urged, and too powerfully espoused in America, to 
be abandoned at Paris. If at any time they were in part relin- 
quished, they were soon resumed. 

In the anxiety which was felt by the President to come to full 
and immediate explanation with the French Directory on the 
treaty with Great Britain, the American minister at Paris had 
been furnished, even before its ratification, and still more fully 
afterwards, with ample materials for the justification of his go- 
vernment. But, misconceiving the views of the administration, 
he reserved these representations until complaints should be made, 
and omitted to urge them while the Directory was deliberating on 
the course it should pursue. Meanwhile, his letters kept up the 
alarm with regard to the dispositions of France ; and intelligence 
from the West Indies served to confirm it. The President re- 
ceived information that the special agents of the Directory in the 
islands were about to issue orders for the capture of all American 
vessels laden in whole or in part with provisions, and bound for 
any port within the dominions of the British crown. 

Knowing well that the intentions of the executive had been at 
all times friendly to the French Republic, the President had relied 
with confidence on early and candid communications for the re- 
moval of any prejudices or misconceptions. That the Directory 
would be disappointed at the adjustment of those differences which 
threatened to embroil the United States with Great Britain, could 
not be doubted ; but, as neither this adjustment, nor the arrange- 
ments connected with it, had furnished any real cause of con> 
plaint, he had cherished the hope that it would produce no serious 
consequences, if the proper means of prevention should be applied 
in time. He was therefore dissatisfied with delays which he had 
not expected ; and seems to have believed that they originated in 

Was the President anxious to prevent any collision with the Directory of 
France ? What documents were forwarded to Mr. Monroe ? Did he delay 
presenting Ihem ? What was the purport of his letters? 



360 MARSHALL'S 

a want of zeal to justify a measure which neither the minister 
himself, nor his political friends, had ever approved. To ensure 
an earnest and active representation of the true sentiments of the 
executive, the President was inclined to depute an envoy extraor- 
dinary for the particular purpose, who should be united with the 
actual minister ; but an objection, drawn from the constitution, 
was suggested to the measure. It was doubted whether the Presi- 
dent could, in the recess of the Senate, appoint a minister when 
no vacancy existed. From respect to this construction of the 
constitution, the resolution was taken to appoint a successor to 
Colonel Monroe. The choice of a person calculated for this mis- 
sion, was not without its difficulty. While a disposition friendly 
to the administration was indispensable, it was desirable that the 
person employed should have given no umbrage to the French 
government. 

After some deliberation, the President selected General Charles 
Cotesworth Pinckney, of South Carolina, for this critical and im- 
portant service. In the early part of the French revolution, he 
had felt and expressed all the enthusiasm of his countrymen for 
the establishment of the republic ; but, after the commencement 
of its contests with the United States, he stood aloof from both 
those political parties which divided America. 

He was recommended to the President by an intimate know- 
ledge of his worth ; by a confidence in the sincerity of his per- 
sonal attachment to the Chief Magistrate ; by a conviction that his 
exertions to effect the objects of his mission would be ardent and 
sincere ; and that, whatever might be his partialities for France, 
he possessed a high and delicate sense of national as well as indi- 
vidual honor, was jealous for the reputation of his country, and 
tenacious of its rights. 

In July, immediately afier the appointment of General Pinck- 
ney, letters were received from Colonel Monroe communicating 
the official complaints which had been made against the American 
government, in March, by Mr. de La Croix, the minister of exte- 
rior relations, with his answer to those complaints. He had effectu- 
ally refuted the criminations of Mr. de La Croix ; and the execu- 
tive was satisfied with his answer. But the Directory had decided 
on their system, and it was not by reasoning that their decision 
was to be changed. 

As the time for electing the Chief Magistrate approached, the 
anxiety of the public respecting the person in office seemed to in- 
crease. In states where the electors are chosen by the people, 
names of great political influence were offered for their approba- 

Did the President resolve to recall Mr. Monroe from Paris ? Who was 
appointed his successor ? What communication was subsequently received 
from Mr. Monroe ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 361 

tton. The strong hold which Washington had tak^n of the affec- 
tions of his countrymen, was, on this occasion, fully evinced. In 
districts where the opposition to his administration was most pow- 
erful, where all his measures were most loudly condemned, where 
those who approved his system possessed least influence, the men 
who appeared to control public opinion on every other subject, 
found themselves unable to move it on this. Even the most popu- 
lar among the leaders of the opposition found themselves reduced 
to the necessity of surrendering their pretensions to a place in the 
electoral body, or of pledging themselves to vote for the actual 
President. The determination of his fellow-citizens had been un- 
equivocally manifested, and it was believed to be apparent that the 
election would again be unanimous, when he announced his reso- 
lution to withdraw from the honors and the toils of office. 

Having long contemplated this event, and having wished to ter- 
minate his political course with an act which might be, at the same 
time, suitable to his own character, and permanently useful to his 
country, he had prepared a valedictory address for the occasion, 
in which, with the solicitude of a person, who, in bidding a final 
adieu to his friends, leaves his affections and his anxieties for their 
welfare behind him, he had made a last effort to impress upon his 
countrymen those great political truths which had been the guides 
of his administration, and could alone, in his opinion, form a sure 
and solid basis, for the happiness, the independence, and the liberty 
of the United States. This interesting paper contains precepts to 
which the American statesman cannot too frequently recur. 

The sentiments of veneration with which it was received were 
manifested in almost every part of the Union. Some of the state 
legislatures directed it to be inserted at iange in their journals ; and 
nearly all of them passed resolutions expressing their respect for 
the person of the President, their high sense of his exalted services, 
and the emotions with which they contemplated his retirement 
from office. Although the leaders of party might rejoice at this 
event, it produced solemn and anxious reflections in the great body 
even of those who belonged to the opposition. 

The person in whom alone the voice of the people could be 
united, having declined a re-election, the two great parties brought 
forward their respective chiefs. Mr. John Adams and Mr. Tho- 
mas Pinckney were supported as President and Vice-President by 
the federalists ; the whole force of the opposite party was exerted 
in favor of Mr. Jefferson. 

Motives of vast influence were added, on this occasion, to those 
which usually impel men to a struggle to retain or acquire power. 

Was it manifest that Washington would once more have been elected Pre- 
sident, if he had been a candidate ? Did he decline ? What is said respect- 
ing his Farewell Address ? Who were the candidates ? 
31 



362 MARSHALL'S 

The continuance, or the change, not only of those principles on 
which the internal affairs of the United States had been adminis- 
tered, but of the conduct which had been observed towards foreign 
nations, was believed to depend on the choice of a Chief Magis- 
trate. 

In such a struggle, it was not to be expected that foreign powers 
could feel no concern. In November, on the eve of the election, 
while the parties were so balanced that neither scale could be per- 
ceived to preponderate, Mr. Adet addressed a letter to the Secre- 
tary of State, in which he recapitulated the numerous complaints 
which had been urged against the government, and reproached it, 
in terms of great asperity, with violating those treaties which had 
secured its independence, with ingratitude to France, and with par- 
tiality to England. These wrongs, which commenced with the 
" insidious'^'' proclamation of neutrality, were said to be so aggra- 
vated by the treaty with Great Britain, that Mr. Adet announced 
the orders of the Directory to suspend his ministerial functions 
with the federal government. " But the cause," he added, " which 
has so long restrained the just resentment of the Executive Direc- 
tory from bursting forth, now tempered its effects. The name of 
America, notwithstanding the wrongs of its government, still ex- 
cited sweet sensations in the hearts of Frenchmen ; and the Exe- 
cutive Directory wished not to break with a people whom they 
loved to salute with the appellation of friend." This suspension 
of his functions, therefore, was not to be regarded " as a rupture 
between France and the United States, but as a mark of just dis- 
content which was to last until the government of the United 
States returned to sentiments and to measures more conformable 
to the interests of the alliance, and to the sworn friendship between 
the two nations." " Let your government return to itself," con- 
cluded Mr. Adet, " and you will still find in Frenchmen faithful 
friends, and generous allies." 

As if to remove any possible doubt respecting the purpose for 
which this extraordinary letter was written, a copy was transmit- 
ted, on the day of its date, to a printer for publication. 

This open and direct appeal of a foreign minister to the Ameri- 
can people, in the critical moment of their election of a Chief Ma- 
gistrate, did not effect its object. Reflecting men, even among 
those who had condemned the course of the administration, could 
not approve this mterference in the internal affairs of the United 
States ; and the opposite party resented it as an attempt to control 
the operations of the American people in the exercise of one of the 
highest acts of sovereignty, and to poison the fountain of their lib- 

What extraordinary letter was addressed by the French minister to the 
American government ? Quote some of its expressions. Did its publica/^ 
lion answer the intended purpose ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 363 

erty and independence by mingling foreign intrigue with their elec- 
tions. 

On the 7th of December, the President, for the last time, met 
the national legislature in the Senate chamber. His address was 
comprehensive, temperate, and dignified. No personal considera- 
tion could restrain him from recommending those great national 
measures which he believed would be useful to his country, al ' 
though open and extensive hostility had been avowed to them. 

After presenting a full view of the situation of the United States, 
and the late transactions of the executive, he added, " To an active 
, external commerce, the protection of a naval force is indispen- 
sable — this is manifest with regard to wars in which a state is 
itself a party— but besides this, it is in our own experience that 
the most shicere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the 
depredations of nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral 
flag requires a naval force, organized and ready to vindicate it 
I from insult or aggression — this may even prevent the necessity of 
j going to war, by discouraging belligerent powers from committing 
' such violations of the rights of the neutral party as may, first or 
I last, leave no other option. From the best information I have been 
able to obtain, it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean, 
I without a protecting force, will always be insecure, and our citi- 
( zens exposed to the calamities from which numbers of them have 
I but just been relieved." 

I The speech next proceeded earnestly to recommend the estab- 
i lishment of national works for manufacturing such articles as were 
necessary for the defence of the country ; and also for an institu- 
tion which should grow up under the patronage of the public, and 
be devoted to the improvement of agriculture. The advantages of 
a military academy, and of a national university, were also urged ; 
and the necessity of augmenting the compensation to the officers 
of the United States, in various instances, was explicitly stated. 

Adverting to the dissatisfaction which had been expressed by 
one of the great powers of Europe, the President said, " It is with 
much pain and deep regret I. mention that circumstances of a very 
unwelcome nature have lately occurred. Our trade, has suffered, 
and is suffering, extensive injuries in the West Indies, from the 
cruisers and agents of the French republic ; and communications 
have been received from its minister here, which indicate the dan- 
ger of a farther disturbance of our commerce by its authority." 

After stating his constant and earnest endeavors to maintain 
cordial harmony, and a perfectly friendly understanding with that 
republic, and that his wish to maintain them remained unabated ; 

Mention the several recommendations of Washington in his last address to 
Congress ; and specify, in particular, his remarks in regard to French ag- 
gression. 



864 MARSHALL'S 

he added, " In pursuing this course, however, I cannot forget what 
is due to the character of our government, and nation ; or to a full 
and entire confidence in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect, 
and fortitude of my countrymen." 

After some other communications, the speech was concluded in 
the following terms : 

"The situation in which I now stand, for the last time, in the 
midst of v...e representatives of the people of the United States, na- 
turally recalls the period when the administration of the present 
form of government commenced ; and I cannot omit the occasion 
to congratv-.ate you and my country on the success of the experi- 
ment ; nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler 
of the universe, and Sovereign Arbiter of nations, that his providen- 
tial care may still be extended to the United States ; — that the 
virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved ; and that the 
government which they have instituted for their protection may be 
perpetual." 

The answer of the Senate embraced the various topics of the 
speech, and approved all the sentiments it contained. 

It expressed the ardent attachment of that body to their Chief 
Magistrate, and its conviction that much of the public prosperity 
was to be ascribed to the virtue, firmness, and talents of his ad- 
ministration. After expressing the deep and sincere regret with 
which the official ratification of his intention to retire from the 
public employments of his country was received, the address pro- 
ceeds to say, " The most effectual consolation that can offer for 
the loss we are about to sustain, arises from the animating reflec- 
tion that the influence of your example will extend to your suc- 
cessors, and the United States thus continue to enjoy an able, up- 
right, and energetic administration." 

In the House of Representatives, a committee of five had been 
appointed to prepare a respectful answer to the speech, three of 
whom were friends to the administration. Hoping that the dispo- 
sition would be general to avow, in strong terms, their attachment 
to the person and character of the President, the committee united 
in reporting an answer which promised, in general terms, due at- 
tention to the various subjects recommended to their consideration, 
but was full and explicit in the expression of attachment to himself, 
and of approbation of his administration. 

I'he unanimity which prevailed in the committee did not extend 
to the H^ouse. 

After amplifying and strengthening the expressions of the re- 
port, which stated regret that any interruption should have taken 



What was the nature of the Senate's answer to the President's speech ? 
Mention the circumstances attending the reply of the House of Represeata' 
tives. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 365 

place in the harmony which had subsisted between the United 
States and France, and modifying those which declared their hope 
for the restoration of that harmony, so as to avoid any implication 
that its rupture was exclusively asciibable to France, a motion was 
made by Mr. Giles to expunge all those paragraphs which ex- 
pressed attachment to the person and character of the President, 
approbation of his administration, or regret at his retiring from 
office. 

After a very animated debate, the motion to strike out was lost, 
and the answer was carried by a great majority. 

Early in the session, the President communicated to Congress 
the copy of a letter addressed by the Secretary of State to General 
Pinckney, containing a minute and comprehensive detail of all the 
points of controversy which had arisen between the United States 
and France, and defending the measures which had been adopted 
by America, with a clearness and a strength of argument believed 
to be irresistible. The letter was intended to enable General 
Pinckney to remove from the government of France all impres- 
sions unfavorable to the fairness of intention which had influenced 
the conduct of the United States ; and to efface from the bosoms 
of the great body of the American people, all those unjust and in- 
jurious suspicions which had been entertained against their own 
administration. Should its immediate operation on the executive 
of France disappoint his hopes, the President persuaded himself 
that he could not mistake its influence in America ; and he felt the 
most entire conviction, that the accusations made by the French 
Directory against the United States would cease, with the evidence 
that these accusations were supported by a great portion of the 
American people. 

The letter and its accompanying documents were communicated 
to the pubKc ; but, unfortunately, their effect at home was not such 
as had been expected, and tkey were, consequently, inoperative 
abroad. 

The measures recommended by the President in his speech at 
the opening of the session were not adopted ; and neither the de- 
bates in Congress, nor the party publications with which the na- 
tion continued to be agitated, furnished reasonable ground for hope 
that the political intemperance which had prevailed from the estab- 
lishment of the republican form of government in France, was 
about to be succeeded by a more conciliatory spirit. 

It was impossible for the President to be absolutely insensible to 
the bitter invectives and malignant calumnies of which he had long 
been the object. Yet in one instance only did he depart from the 

What communication was prepared for the French government, and pub- 
lished in the United States ? Was the design of it accomplished ? Did the 
executive still experience much opposition ? 
31* 



366 MARSHALL'S 

rule he had prescribed for his conduct regarding them. Appre 
hending permanent injury from the republication of certain spu- 
rious letters which have been already noticed, he, on the day which 
terminated his official character, addressed a letter to the Secretary 
of State, declaring them to be forgeries, and stating the circum- 
stances under which they were published. 

In February the votes for the first and second magistrate were 
opened and counted in the presence of both Houses ; and the 
highest number appearing in favor of Mr. Adams, and the second 
in favor of Mr. Jefferson, the first was declared to be the President, 
and the second the Vice-President of the United States, for four 
years, to commence on the fourth day of the ensuing March. 

After the solemnities of the occasion had been concluded, and 
General Washington had paid those respectful compliments to his 
successor which he believed to be equally due to the man and to 
the office, he hastened to that real felicity which awaited him at 
Mount Vernon. 

The same marks of respect and affection which had on all great 
occasions been manifested by his fellow-citizens, still attended him. 
His endeavors to render his journey private were unavailing ; and 
the gentlemen of the country through which he passed, were still 
ambitious of testifying their sentiments for the man who had, from 
the birth of the republic, been deemed the first of the American 
citizens. Long after his retirement, he continued to receive ad- 
dresses from legislative bodies, and various classes of citizens, 
expressive of the high sense entertained of his services. 

Notwithstanding the extraordinary popularity of the first Presi- 
dent of the United States, scarcely has any important act of his 
administration escaped the most bitter invective. 

On the real wisdom of the system which he pursued, every 
reader will decide for himself Time will, in some measure, dissi- 
])ate the prejudices and passions of the moment, and enable us to 
view objects through a medium which represents them truly. 

Without taking a full view of measures which were reprobated 
by one party and applauded by the other, the reader may be re- 
quested to glance his eye at the situation of the United States in 
1797, and to contrast it with their condition in 1788. 

At home, a sound credit had been created ; an immense floating 
debt had been funded in a manner perfectly satisfactory to the cre- 
ditors ; an ample revenue had been provided; those difficulties 
which a system of internal taxation, on its first introduction, is 
doomed to encounter, were completely removed ; and the authority 
of government was. firmly established. Funds for the gradual 

Who were elected to the offices of President and Vice-President ? Whither 
did Washington retire ? Did the public affection attend and follow him iu 
his retirement. What were the results of his administration ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 367 

payment of the debt had been provided ; a considerable part of it 
had been actually discharged ; and that system which has operated 
its entire extinction, had been matured and adopted. The agri- 
cultural and commercial wealth of the nation had increased beyond 
all former example. The numerous tribes of warlike Indians, 
inhabiting those immense tracts which lie between the then culti- 
vated country and the Mississippi, had been taught, by arms and 
by justice, to respect the United States, and to continue in peace. 
This desirable object having been accomplished, that humane sys- 
tem was established, for civilizing and furnishing them with those 
conveniences of life which improve their condition, and secure 
their attachment. 

Abroad, the differences with Spain had been accommodated, and 
the free navigation of the Mississippi had been acquired, with the 
use of New Orleans as a place of deposit for three years, and 
afterwards, until some other equivalent place should be designated. 
Those causes of mutual exasperation which had threatened to 
involve the United States in war with the greatest maritime and 
commercial power in the woild, had been removed ; and the military 
posts which had been occupied within their territory from their 
existence as a nation, had been evacuated. Treaties had been 
formed with Algiers and with Tripoli, and no captures appear to 
have been made by Tunis ; so that the Mediterranean was opened 
to American vessels. 

This bright prospect was indeed shaded by the discontents of 
France. Those who have attended to the points of difference 
between the two nations, will assign the causes to which these dis- 
contents are to be ascribed, and will judge whether it was in the 
power of the President to have avoided them without surrendering 
the real independence of the nation, and the most invaluable of all 
rights, — the right of self-government. 

Such was the situation of the United States at the close of 
Washington's administration. Their condition at its commence- 
ment will be recollected ; and the contrast is too striking not to be 
observed. 

That this beneficial change in the affairs of America is to be 
ascribed exclusively to the wisdom which guided the national 
councils, will not be pretended. That many of the causes which 
produced it originated with the government, and that their success- 
ful operation was facilitated, if not secured by the system which 
was adopted, can scarcely be denied. To estimate that system 
correctly, their reaJ influence must be allowed to those strong pre- 
judices and turbulent passions with which it was assailed. 

' What was our condition, with reference to the Indian nations ? with respect 
to Spain, and tlie Barbary powers ? Mention the drawback in the case of France. 
To what extent may the government have credit for the national prosperity ? 



368 MARSHALL'S 

Accustomed in the early part of his hfe to agricultural pursuits, 
and possessing a real taste for them, General Washington was par- 
ticularly well qualified to enjoy, in retirement, that tranquil felicity 
which he had anticipated. A large estate in the management and 
improvement of which he engaged with ardor, an extensive cor- 
respondence, and the society of men and books, gave employment 
to every hour, and furnished ground for the hope that the evening 
of a hfe which had been devoted to the service of the public, 
would be as serene as its midday had been brilliant. 

But the designs of France were soon manifested in a form too 
unequivocal and too dangerous to admit of even seeming indiffer- 
ence to them. 

The Executive Directory, afler inspecting the letters of credence 
delivered by General Pinckney, announced to him their haughty 
determination " not to receive another minister from the United 
States, until after the redress of grievances demanded of the 
American government, which the French Republic had a right to 
expect from it." This message was succeeded first by indecorous 
verbal communications, and afterwards by a written mandate to 
quit the territories of the republic. 

This act of hostility was accompanied with another equally un- 
equivocal. On giving to the recaUed minister his audience of 
leave, the President of the Directory addressed a speech to him, 
in which terms of outrage to the government were mingled with 
expressions of affection lor the people, so as to demonstrate the 
expectation of ruling the former by their influence over the latter, 
too clearly to be misunderstood. To complete this system of 
hostility, American vessels weise captured wherever found, and 
condemned as prizes. 

On receiving the despatches which communicated this serious 
state of things, the President issued his proclamation, requiring 
Congress to meet on the 15th day of May. The firm and digni- 
fied speech delivered by the chief magistrate at the commence- 
ment of the session, exhibited that sensibility which a high-minded 
and real American might be expected to feel, when representing 
to the national legislature the great and unprovoked outrages of a 
foreign government. He declared, however, his purpose to insti- 
tute a fresh attempt at negotiation, and to continue his utmost en- 
deavors to promote an accommodation on terms compatible with 
the "rights, duties, interests, and honor of the nation." But, 
while he should be making these endeavors to adjust all differences 
with the French Republic, he earnestl)^ recommended it to Con- 
gress to provide effectual measures of defence. 

In what manner did France indicate hostile intentions towards the United 
States ? On receiving intelligence of these insults, what measure was adopted 
by Mr. Adams? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 369 

To carry into effect the pacific dispositions avowed in the 
speech, three envoj^s extraordinary were appointed, at the head 
of whom General Pincl^ney was placed. Their instructions con- 
formed to the pubhc language of the President. 

For a considerable time, no certain intelligence reached the 
United States respecting the negotiation at Paris. At length, in 
the winter of 1798, letters were received from the American en- 
voys, indicating an unfavorable state of things ; and in the 
spring, despatches arrived, announcing the total failure of the 
mission. 

History will scarcely furnish the example of a nation, not ab- 
solutely degraded, which has received from a foreign power such 
open insult and undisguised contumely, as were, on this occasion, 
suffered by the United States, in the persons of their ministers. 

It was insinuated that the American executive, by taking two 
of the three from that party which had supported the measures 
of their own government, had furnished just cause of umbrage. 
While the Directory, under slight pretexts, delayed to accredit 
them, they were assailed by persons exhibiting sufficient evidence 
of the source from which their powers were derived, who, in ex- 
plicit terms, demanded money from the United States, as the 
condition which must precede, not only the reconciliation of Ame- 
rica with France, but any negotiation on the differences between 
the two countries. 

Though a decided negative was given to the demand made by 
these unofficial agents, they returned to the charge with wonder- 
ful perseverance, and used unwearied art to work upon the fears 
of the American ministers, for their country and for themselves. 
The immense power of France was painted in glowing colors ; 
the humiliation of the house of Austria was stated, and the con- 
quest of Britain was confidently anticipated. In the friendship of 
France alone, could America look for safety ; and the fate of 
Venice was held up to warn her of the danger which awaited 
those who incurred the displeasure of the great republic. The 
ministers were assured that, if they believed their conduct would 
be approved in the United States, they were mistaken. The 
means which the Directory possessed in that country to excite 
odium ■ against them were great, and would unquestionably be 
employed. 

This degrading intercourse was at length terminated by the 
positive refusal of the envoys to hold any further communication 
with the persons employed in it. 

Meanwhile, the Directory still refused to acknowledge the Ameri- 

What mission was sent to France? Mention the particulars of their 
treatment by the Directory, and the humiliating conditions which were inli- 
mated as the price of friendship. 



870 IM A RS HALL'S 

can ministers in their public character ; and the Secretary of 
Exterior Relations, at unofficial visits, which they made him, 
renewed the demand for money which his agents had pressed 
unsuccessfully. 

Finding the objections to their reception in an official character 
insurmountable, the envoys addressed a letter to the Minister of 
Exterior Relations, in which they entered at large into the expla- 
nations committed to them by their government, and illustrated, 
by a variety of facts, the uniform friendliness of its conduct to 
France. But the Directory counted too confidently on its influ- 
ence in America, to desist from its course. Notwithstanding the 
failure of this effort, the envoys continued, with a passiveness 
which must search for its apology in their solicitude to demon- 
strate the real views of the French Republic — to employ the 
only means in their power to avert the rupture which was 
threatened. 

During these transactions, occasion was repeatedly taken to 
insult the American government. Open war was waged by the 
cruisers of France on American commerce ; and the flag of the 
United States was a sufficient justification for the capture and 
condemnation of any vessel over which it waved. 

At length, when the demonstration had become complete, that 
the resolution of the American envoys w^as not less fixed than 
their conduct had been guarded and temperate, various attempts 
were made to induce two of them voluntarily to relinquish their 
station ; on the failure of which, they w^re ordered to quit the 
territory of the republic. As if to aggravate this national insult, 
the third, who had been selected from the party friendly to France, 
was permitted to remain, and was invited to resume the discus- 
sions which had been interrupted. 

The despatches communicating these events, were laid before 
Congress, and were ordered to be published. The indignation 
which they excited was warm and extensive. The attempt to de- 
grade the United States into a tributary nation, was too obvious 
to be concealed ; and the resentment produced, as well by this 
attempt as by the threats which accompanied it, was not confined 
to the federalists. 

The disposition still existed, among the leaders of party, to jus- 
tify France ; but their efforts were, for the moment, unsuccessful; 
and it required the co-operation of other causes to re-establish the 
influence of those who made them. 

Vigorous measures were adopted in Congress for retaliating 
Llie injuries which had been sustained, and for repelling those 
which were threatened. Among these was a regular army. 

Did the envoys essay every method to adjust the difficulty ? What furthei 
affronts were given ? What was the effect in the United Slates ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 371 

No sooner had a war become probable, than the eyes of all were 
directed to General Washington as the commander-in-chief. He 
alone could be seen at the head of a great military force without 
exciting jealousy ; he alone could draw into public service, and 
arrange properly, the best military talents of the nation ; and he 
more than any other could induce the utmost exertion of its phy- 
sical strength. 

Indignant at the unprovoked injuries which had been heaped 
upon the United States, and convinced that the conflict, should a 
war be really prosecuted by France with a view to conquest, 
would be extremely severe, and would require, on the part of Ame- 
rica, a persevering exertion of all her force, he could not deter- 
mine, should such a crisis arrive, to withhold those services which 
his country might demand. 

In a letter of the 22d of June, respecting military preparations, 
the President said, " we must have your name, if you will in any 
case permit us to use it. There will be more efficacy in it than 
in many an army." 

A letter from the Secretary of War concludes with asking, 
" May we flatter ourselves that in a crisis so awful and important, 
you will accept the command of all our armies 1 I hope you will, 
because you alone can unite all hearts and all hands, if it is pos- 
sible that they can be united." 

In his letter to the President, after stating his views of the crisis, 
and the reluctance with which he should once more appear in any 
public station. General Washington said, "In case of actual inva- 
sion by a formidable force, I should not intrench myself under the 
cover of age and retirement, if my services should be required by 
my country to assist in repelling it. And if there be good cause 
to expect such an event, which certainly must be better known to 
the government than to private citizens, delay in preparing for it 
may be dangerous, improper, and not to be justified by prudence." 
He could not, however, believe that France, when undeceived re- 
specting the support she expected from the American people, would 
b^ so mad as to persist in waging unprovoked war against the 
United States. 

To the Secretary of War he said, " the principle by which my 
conduct has been actuated through life would not suffer me, in any 
great emergency, to withhold any services I could render when 
required by my countr)/ ; — especially in a case where its dearest 
rights are assailed by lawless ambition and intoxicated power, in 
contempt of every principle of justice, and in violation of solemn 
compact, and of laws v/hich govern all civilized nations : — and 

In the crisis with France, who was looked to as the fittest commander of 
our armies? What sentiments did Washington express, in a letter to the 
Secretarj of War? 



372 MARSHALL'S 

this, too, with the obvious intent to sow thick the seeds of dissen- 
sion for the purpose of subjugating our government, and destroy- 
ing our independence and happiness." 

He proceeded to state the points on which his consent to take 
the command of the army must depend. 

Before the. reception of these letters, the President had nomina- 
ted him to the chief command of all the armies raised or to be 
raised in the United States ; and the Senate had unanimously ad- 
vised and consented to his appointment. 

In the letter announcing this appointment, of which the Secre- 
tary of War was the bearer, the President said, " My reasons for 
this measure will be too well known to need any explanation to 
the public. Every friend and every enemy of America will com- 
prehend them at first blush. To you, sir, I owe all the apology I 
can make. The urgent necessity I am in of your advice and as- 
sistance, indeed of your conduct and direction of the war, is all T 
can urge, and that is sufficient justification to myself and the world 
I hope it will be so considered by yourself." 

The communications of General Washington with the Secretary 
of War were unreserved. They resulted in his acceptance of the 
command of the army, on condition that he should be permitted 
to select those in whom he could place confidence for the highest 
places in it — especially for the military staff"; and that he should 
not be called into service until the country should be actually in- 
vaded. 

From this period General Washington intermingled the cares 
and attentions of office with his agricultural pursuits. His solici- 
tude respecting the organization of an army which he might pos- 
sibly be required to lead against the most formidable enemy in the 
world, was too strong to admit of his being inattentive to its ar- 
rangements. Yet he never did believe that an invasion of the 
United States would actually take place. His conviction that the 
hostile measures adopted by the Directory, originated in the opi- ; 
nion that those measures would overthrow the administration, and | 
place power in the hands of those who had uniformly supported ] 
all the pretensions of the French republic, remained unshaken, i 
As a necessary consequence of this conviction, he was persuaded ^ 
that the indignation which these aggressions had excited would j 
effect a change of system. i 

Events soon demonstrated the correctness of this opinion. Al- ; 
though America, supplicating peace, had been spurned with con- ] 
tempt ; although the Executive Directory had rejected with insult ' 
her repeated prayer? to be permitted to make explanations, and I 

On what conditions did Washingfton accept the command of the army ? Did i 
he assist in its arrangement ? What was his opinion respecting the views | 
of the French government, in its arrogant treatment of the United States ? j 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 373 

htfcd haughtily demanded a concession of their arrogant and nn- 
founded claims, or large pecuniary advances, as a preliminary to 
negotiation, America in arms was treated with some respect. In- 
direct pacific overtures were made, and a willingness on the part 
of France to accommodate existing differences on reasonable terms, 
was communicated. 

The President, truly solicitous to restore harmony between the 
two nations, caught at the overtures thus indirectly made, and 
again appointed three Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Pleni 
potentiary to the French republic. These gentlemen found tha 
government in the hands of a man who entered into negotiations 
with them which terminated in the amicable adjustment of differ- 
ences. 

General Washington did not live to witness the restoration of 
peace. On Friday, the 13th of December, while attending to 
some improvements on his estate, he was exposed to a light rain, 
by which his neck and hair became wet. Not apprehending dan- 
ger from this circumstance, he passed the afternoon in the usual 
manner ; but in the night was seized with an inflammatory affec- 
tion of the wind-pipe. The disease commenced with a violent 
ague, accompanied with some pain in the upper and fore part of 
the throat, a sense of stricture in the same part, a cough, and a 
difficult deglutition, which were soon succeeded by fever, and a 
quick and laborious respiration. 

Twelve or fourteen ounces of blood were taken from his arm, 
but he would not permit a messenger to be despatched for his family 
physician until the appearance of day. About eleven in the morn- 
ing, Doctor Craik arrived ; and, perceiving the extreme danger of 
the case, requested that two consulting physicians should be im- 
mediately sent for. The utmost exertions of medical skill were 
applied in vain. The powers of life were manifestly yielding to 
the force of the disorder ; speaking became almost impracticable, 
respiration became more and more contracted and imperfect, until 
half-past eleven on Saturday night, when, retaining the full pos- 
session of his intellect, he expired without a struggle. 

During the short period of his illness, he economised his time in 
arranging those few concerns which required his attention ; and 
anticipated his approaching dissolution with every demonstration 
of that equanimity for which his life was so uniformly and singu- 
larly conspicuous. 

The deep and wide-spreading grief occasioned by this melan- 
choly event, assembled a great concourse of people for the purpose 
of paying the last tribute of respect to the first of Americans. His 

What mission was sent to France ? Were the difficulties adjusted ? Men- 
tion the particulars of General Washington's last sickness, and death. What 
was the public feeling, upon this melancholy event ? 
32 



374 MARSHALL'S 

body, attended by military honors, and the ceremonies of religion, 
was deposited in the family vault at Mount Vernon, on Wednesday 
the 28th of December. 

At the seat of government, the intelligence of his death preceded 
that of his indisposition. On receiving it, both Houses of Congress 
adjourned. On the succeeding day, as soon as the orders were 
read, the House of Representatives passed several resolutions ex- 
pressive of their deep feeling for the illustrious deceased, the last 
of which directed, " that a committee in conjunction with one from 
the Senate, be appointed to consider on the most suitable manner 
of paying honor to the memory of the man, first in war, first in 
peace, and first in the hearts of his fellow-citizens." 

Immediately after the passage of these resolutions, a written 
message was received from the President accompanying a letter 
from Mr. Lear, which he said, " will inform you that it had pleased 
divine providence to remove from this life, our illustrious fellow- 
citizen George Washington, by the purity of his life, and a 
long series of services to his country, rendered illustrious through 
the world. It remains for an affectionate and grateful people, in 
whose hearts he can never die, to pay suitable honor to his memory." 

The members of the House of Representatives waited on the 
President in pursuance of a resolution which had been passed, and 
the Senate addressed a letter to him condoling with him on the 
loss the nation had sustained, in terms expressing their deep sense 
of the worth of the deceased. The President reciprocated, in his 
communications to each House, the same deep-felt and affectionate 
respect " for the most illustrious and beloved personage America 
had ever produced." 

The halls of both Houses were shrouded in black, and the mem- 
bers wore mourning for the residue of the session. 

The joint committee which had been appointed to devise the 
mode by which the nation should express its feelings on this me- 
lancholy occasion, reported the following resolutions : 

" That a marble monument be erected by the United States at 
the city of Washington, and that the family of General Washing- 
ton be requested to permit his body to be deposited under it ; and 
that the monument be so designed as to commemorate the great 
events of his military and political life. 

" That there be a funeral procession from Congress Flail to the 
German Lutheran Church, in memory of General Washington, 
on Thursday the 26th instant, and that an oration be prepared at 
the request of Congress, to be delivered before both Houses on that 
day ; and that the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the 

Mention the proceedings of both Houses of Congress, upon receiving intel- 
ligence of Washington's death ? Repeat the resolutions by -which it was 
designed to honor his memory. 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 375 

House of Representatives, be desired to request one of the mem- 
bers of Congress to prepare and deliver the same. 

" That it be recommended to the people of the United States to 
wear crape on the left arm as a mourning for thirty days. 

" That the President of the United States be requested to direct 
a copy of these resolutions to be transmitted to Mrs. Washington, 
assuring her of the profound respect Congress will ever bear to 
her person and character, of their condolence on the late affecting 
dispensation of Providence, and entreating her assent to the inter- 
ment of the remains of General Washington in the manner 
expressed in the first resolution. 

" That the President be requested to issue his proclamation, 
notifying to the people throughout the United States the recom- 
mendation contained in the third resolution." 

These resolutions passed both Houses unanimously ,• and those 
which would admit of immediate execution were carried into effect. 
The whole nation appeared in mourning. The funeral procession 
was grand and solemn ; and the eloquent oration, which was 
delivered by General Lee, was heard with profound attention and 
with deep interest. 

Similar marks of affliction were exhibited throughout the United 
States. In every part of the continent funeral orations were 
delivered, and the best talents of the nation were devoted to an 
expression of its grief. 

To the letter of the President which transmitted to Mrs. Wash- 
ington the resolutions of Congress, that lady answered — " Taught 
by the great example which I have so long had before me, never 
to oppose my private wishes to the public will, I must consent to 
the request made by Congress, which you have had the goodness 
to transmit to me; — and in doing this, I need not, I cannot say 
what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to a sense of public 
duty." 

The monument, however, has not been erected. That the great 
events of the political as well as military life of General Washington 
I should be commemorated, could not be pleasing to those who had 
condemned, and who continued to condemn, the whole course of 
his administration. This resolution, although it passed unani- 
mously, had many enemies. That party which had long consti- 
tuted the opposition, and which, though the minority for the moment, 
nearly divided the House of Representatives, declared its prefer- 
ence for the Equestrian statue which had been voted by Congress 
at the close of the war. The division between a statue and a 
monument was so nearly equal, that the session passed away 

What marks of grief were exhibited througliout tlie United States ? Re- 
peat the answer of Mrs. Washington to a request of Congress ? To what 
may we attribute the fact, that the voted monument has never been erected ? 



376 MARSHALL'S 

without appropriation for either. The public feeling soon sub- 
sided, and those who quickly recovered their ascendency over the 
public sentiment, employed their influence to draw odium on the 
men who favored a monument ; to represent that measure as a part 
of a general system to waste the public money ; and to impress 
the idea that the only proper monument to the memory of a meri- 
torious citizen was that which the people would erect in theii 
affections. A man who professed an opinion in favor of the monu- 
ment was soon branded with the mark of an anti-republican. 

General Washington was rather above the common size. His 
frame was robust, and his constitution vigorous. His figure created 
in the beholder the idea of strength united with manly gracefulness. 

His manners were rather reserved than free ; though on all 
proper occasions he could relax sufficiently to show how highly 
he was gratified by the charms of conversation, and the pleasures 
of society. His person and whole deportment exhibited an un- 
affected and indescribable dignity, unmingled with'haughtiness, of 
which all who approached him were sensible ; and the attachment 
of those who possessed his friendship and enjoyed his intimacy, 
though ardent, was always respectful. 

His temper was humane, benevolent, and conciliatory ; but 
there was a quickness in his sensibility to any thing apparently 
offensive, which experience had taught him to watch and to cor- 
rect. 

In the management of his private affairs, he exhibited an exact 
yet liberal economy. His funds were not wasted on capricious 
and ill-examined schemes, nor refused to beneficial, though costly 
improvements. They remained, therefore, competent to that ex- 
pensive establishment which his reputation, added to a hospitable 
temper, had, in some measure, imposed upon him ; and to those 
donations which real distress has a right to claim from opulence. 

He had no pretensions to that vivacity which fascinates, or to 
that wit which dazzles, and frequently imposes on the understand- 
ing. More solid than brilliant, judgment rather than genius con- 
stituted the prominent feature of his character. 

Without making ostentatious professions of religion, he was a 
sincere believer in the Christian faith, and a truly devout man. 

As a soldier, he was brave, enterprising, and cautious. That 
malignity which has sought to strip him of the higher qualities of 
a general, has conceded to him personal courage, and a firmness 
of resolution which danger could not appal, nor difficulties shake. 
But candor must allow him greater and higher endowments. If 

Describe the person of General Washington, — his manners, deportment, 
and temper. How did he manage his private affairs? What were the charac- 
teristics of his mind ? Was he a devout Christian ? For what qualities did 
even his enemies award him credit ? Had he higher endowments than these ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 377 

his military course does not abound with splendid achievements, it 
exhibits a series of judicious measures adapted to circumstances, 
which probably saved hi^ country. 

Placed, without having studied the theory, or being taught in the 
school of experience the practice of war, at the head of an undis- 
ciplined, ill-organized multitude, which was impatient of the re- 
straints, and unacquainted with the ordinary duties of a camp, 
without the aid of officers possessing those lights which the com 
mander-in-chief was yet to acquire, it would have been a miracle, 
indeed, had his conduct been absolutely faultless. But, possessing 
an energetic and distinguishing mind, on which the lessons of ex- 
perience were never lost, his errors, if he committed any, were 
quickly repaired ; and those measures which the state of things 
rendered advisable were seldom, if ever, neglected. Inferior to his 
adversary in the numbers, the equipment, and in the discipline of 
his troops, it is evidence of real merit that no decisive advantages 
were ever obtained over him, and that the opportunity to strike an 
important blow never passed away unused. He has been termed 
the American Fabius ; but those who compare his actions with 
his means, wi^l perceive as much of Marcellus as of Fabius in his 
character. 

In his civil administration as in his military career, ample and 
repeated proofs were exhibited of that practical good sense, and of 
that sound judgment, which is perhaps the most rare, and is cer- 
tainly the most valuable quality of the human mind. Devoting 
himself to the duties of his station, and pursuing no object distinct 
from the public good, he was accustomed to contemplate at a dis- 
tance those situations in which the United States^ might probably 
be placed ; and to digest, before the occasion required action, the 
line of conduct which it would be proper to observe. Taught to 
distrust first impressions, he sought all the information which was 
attainable, and heard, without prejudice, all the reasons which 
could be urged for or against particular measures. His judgment 
was suspended until it became necessary to determine ; and his 
decisions, thus maturely made, were seldom, if ever, to be shaken. 
His conduct, therefore, was systematic, and the great objects of 
his administration were steadily pursued. 

Respecting, as the first magistrate in a free government must 
ever do, the real and deliberate sentiments of the people, their 
gusts of passion passed over without ruffling the smooth surface 
of his mind. Trusting to the reflecting good sense of the nation, 
he had the magnanimity to pursue its real interests in opposition 

Under the disadvantages with which Washington had to contend in the 
war of the Revolution, what may fairly be considered as the true estimate of 
his military merit ? Specify tlie principles on which he conducted his civil 
administration, and the system to which he uniformly adhered. 
32* 



378 MARSHALL'S 

to its temporary prejudices ; and, in more instances than one, we 
find liim committing his whole popularity to hazard, and pursuing 
steadily the course dictated by a sense of duty, in opposition to a 
torrent which would have overwhelmed a man of ordinary firm- 
ness. 

In speculation, he was a real republican, devoted to the consti- 
tution of his country, and to that system of equal political rights 
on which it is founded. But, between a balanced republic and de- 
mocracy, the difference is like that between order and chaos. Rea 
liberty, he thought, was to be preserved only by upholding the 
authority of the laws, and maintaining the energy of government. 
Scarcely did society present two characters which, in his opinion, 
less resembled each other than a patriot and a demagogue. 

No man has ever appeared upon the theatre of human action 
whose integrity was more incorruptible, or whose principles were 
more perfectly free from the contamination of those selfish and 
unworthy passions which find their nourishment in the conflicts of 
party. His ends were always upright, and his means always pure. 
He exhibits the rare example of a politician to whom wiles were 
absolutely unknown. In him was fully exemplified the real dis- 
tinction between wisdom and cunning, and the truth of the maxim 
that " honesty is the best policy." 

Neither the extraordinary partiality of the American people, 
the extravagant praises which were bestowed upon him, nor the 
inveterate opposition and malignant calumnies which he encoun- 
tered, had any visible influence on his conduct. The cause is to 
be looked for in the texture of his mind. 

In him, that innate and unassuming modesty which adulation, 
would have offended, which the voluntary plaudits of millions could 
not betray into indiscretion, and which never obtruded upon others 
his claims to superior consideration, was happily blended with a 
high and correct sense of personal dignity, and with a just con- 
sciousness of that respect which is due to station. Without exer- 
tion, he could maintain the happy medium between that arrogance 
which wounds, and that facility which allows the office to be de- 
graded in the person who fills it. 

It is impossible to contemplate the great events which have oc- 
curred in the United States, under the auspices of Washington, 
without ascribing them, in some measure, to him. If we ask the 
causes of the prosperous issue of a war against the successful ter- 
mination of which there were so many probabilities, — of the good 

Mention the requisite, in Washington's opinion, to the possession of trpe 
liberty. Repeat the lofty encomium upon the stainless integrity of Wash- 
ington. What rendered him so self-poised and collected, in every circum- 
stance ? May not the successful issue of the contest for independence, m 
attributed in a measure to Washington ? 



LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 379 

which was produced, and the ill which was avoided during an ad- 
ministration fated to contend with the strongest prejudices that a 
combination of circumstances and of passions could produce? of 
the constant favor of the great mass of his fellow-citizens, and of 
the confidence which to the last moment of his life they reposed 
in him ? — the answer will furnish a lesson well meriting the at- 
tention of those who are candidates for political fame. 

Endowed by nature with a sound judgment, and an accurate 
discriminating mind, he feared not that laborious attention which 
made him perfectly master of those subjects on which he was to 
decide ; and this essential quality was guided by an unvarying 
sense of moral right which would tolerate the employnaent of those 
means only that would bear the most rigid examination ; by a fair- 
ness of intention which neither sought nor required diguise ; and by 
a purity of virtue which was not only untainted, but unsuspected. 

Mention the qualifications which enabled Washington fully to understand 
the questions submitted for his consideration. And by what principles was 
this perception guided ? 



THE END. 






THOMAS, COWPERTHWAIT & CO., 
PUBLISHERS AND BOOKSELLERS, PHILADELPHIA, 

WILL PUBLISH ABOUT THE FIRST OF JANUARY, 1839, 

MITCHELL'S SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY, 

ACCOMPANIED BY 
AN ATLAS OF SIXTEEN IVIAPS. 



The author, Mr. S. Augustt's Mitchell, is favourably known to the public, 
having for a number of years past devoted his attention to the compiling and pub- 
lishing of Geographical Works and Maps. The knowledge he has acquired in the 
prosecution o^this business, has induced many of his friends, teachers in different 
parts of the country, to direct his attention to the present work, persuaded that he 
could prepare one suited to their views, and calculated to facilitate the progress of 
their pupils. 

Geography forms at present an essential branch of elementary education, and is 
well calculated to awaken and cherish that spirit of curiosity and inquiry which is 
so natural to the youthful mind. On its value it would be needless to expatiate, 
and its proper regulation being calculated to open the way to more important stu- 
dies, is not unworthy the illustration of mature and cultivated minds. 

Within the last twelve or fifteen years the great attention paid to Geography in 
our principal schools and seminaries, has been the means of producing several 
meritorious works on this subject. They have their respective peculiarities and ex- 
cellencies, and are mostly well calculated to aid the scholar in his progress towards 
acquiring a competent knowledge of that interesting science. They ought not, 
however, to be regarded as superseding all further endeavours in this department 
of usefulness, or as discouraging any well-intended efforts of others to do good in a 
similar way. 

To most of the works in question the objection attaches of failing to represent 
the world as it is at the present day. Perhaps not one of them (though editions for 
1838 are before the p.ublic,) exhibit even our own country according to its actual 
divisions. The same objection exists in relation to South America and some other 
quarters of the world, where important States are neither mentioned in the Geo- 
graphies nor delineated in the Maps. 

To obviate these omissions the author of this School Geography has endeavoured 
to describe in tlie Work and delineate in the Maps composing the jitlas, such a re- 
presentation of the principal States in the world, as the plan prescribed for the one 
and the scale of the other would permit, to their fullest extent. 

The preliminary part of the work, or the description of the definitions, will be 
found perhaps as simple and easy of comprehension as can well be obtained. It is 
arranged chiefly in the method of question and answer, yet presenting, it is believed, 
sufficient scope to exercise the mental faculties of the pupil. 

The Pictorial Illustrations will comprise from one hundred andjifty to two hundred. 
Engravings, chiefly from original designs, and engraved by the best artists in the 
country. Some of these will embrace a number of the leading objects of nature 
and art. and others will illustrate, in an appropriate manner, important facts stated 
in the body of the work. They are not introduced for mere ornament, but are de- 
signed to convey information by visible images, the most forcible of all language. 

The Maps composing the Atlas are from original drawings, and ensjraved in the 
neat and distinct manner for which Mr. MilcheWs Maps have been distinguished : 
this is a subject of considerable importance to both teacher and scholar. Some 
very good maps found in atlasses accompanying school geographies are engraved 
in a manner so slovenly and indistinct, that it is often difficult to distinguish the 
names of places ; others are printed on paper so ill calculated for the purpose, that 
the atlas falls to pieces in a short time. It is believed that the great majority of 
teachers are well aware of this fact, it being frequently complained of These ob- 
jections the publishers will obviate to the utmost extent that the plan prescribed 
for this work will permit. 

The Atlas will contain the following Maps : 
The World on the Globular Projection —The World on the Polar Projection — 
North America — The United States — The Eastern States — The Middle States — 
The Southern States — The Western States — Mexico and Guatemala — South 
America — Europe — Asia — Africa — Oceana — Palestine — Liberia. 



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